Friday, September 23, 2005

For the second straight match Valparaiso was the victim of a 2-0 loss as the Crusaders dropped the opening match of the Diadora Classic on Friday afternoon to North Dakota State in Omaha, Neb.

The Bison got on the scoreboard late in the first half scoring on an own goal with just 4:16 remaining in the stanza.

North Dakota State (6-1) added what turned out to be an insurance goal just 2:53 later as Skrypek sent a corner kick in that Olivia Cole found the back of the net with.

Valparaiso had its chances as the Crusaders outshot the Bison 27-10 on the evening, holding an 11-6 advantage in shots on goal. Lori Johnson (Sachse, Texas/Naaman Forest H.S.), Allison Swanson (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley H.S.), and Kendall Brown (Lake Zurich, Ill./Carmel H.S.) each fired six shots toward goal but to no avail.

Krlie Kopietz made 11 saves though to earn the shutout. Valpo's Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made four stops in net for the Crusaders.

Valpo (5-4) will close out the classic on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders face host Creighton in a 1:30 p.m. match.