Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Valparaiso University's men's soccer team opened its preseason with a 1-1 tie at Eastgate Field on Wednesday afternoon against Bethel.

The two schools played a scoreless opening half, as the Crusaders outshot the Pilots 10-5. Brandon Aylward (Springfield, Ill./Springfield H.S.) got the start in gold for the Brown and Gold, but was not forced to make a save in the opening stanza.

Valpo got on the scoreboard first, as Billy Wanecke (Granger, Ind./Mishawaka Marian H.S.) found Mark Korba (Portage, Ind./Portage H.S.) on a cross from the left side and beat goalkeeper Hiram Moreno in the 55th minute.

The Pilots tied the match in the 75th minute as Andres Rodriguez scored from 15 yards out on the right side after a feed from Rafael Perez.

The Crusaders outshot Bethel 14-6 for the match, and forced Moreno to make seven saves between the pipes. Each team committed 12 fouls, while Valpo held a 7-4 advantage on corner kicks.

Valpo will return to action at Eastgate Field on Friday evening for a 5 p.m. match against Springfield in the second of their three scrimmages.