Friday, October 15, 2004

Amy Miller's (Fort Wayne, Ind./Lakota West H.S., Ohio) goal three minutes into the second overtime capped off Valparaiso's late rally as the Crusaders defeated Southern Utah 2-1 on Friday afternoon at Eastgate Field.

With the win, both teams move to 2-2 in Mid-Con play.

The two teams played a scoreless first half, but Valparaiso seemed to have the opportunities. The Crusaders outshot the Thunderbirds 9-2, including a 4-1 advantage on goal.

Ashley Smith put Southern Utah in front four minutes into the second stanza picking up a loose ball in the box and beating Valpo goalkeeper Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.).

Emily King (Colona, Ill./United Township H.S.) tied the match with 9:14 remaining in regulation on a blast from 28 yards out that beat Megan Flowers.

After both teams failed to score in the first overtime, Miller put home a Lorna Torrez (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes H.S.) corner kick for the victory.

Murray made two saves in the win, while Flowers registered seven for Southern Utah (4-9, 2-2 Mid-Con).

Valpo outshot Southern Utah 18-10 and held an 8-2 advantage on corner kicks won.

Valparaiso (6-6-1, 2-2) will return to action on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. for a 2 p.m. match against IPFW.