Complete Notes in PDF

Match #8: Friday, Sept. 19, 4 p.m. CDT
Central Michigan (5-1, 0-0 MAC)
at Valpo (5-1-1, 0-0 Horizon)
Match #9: Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. CDT
South Dakota (3-4, 0-0 Great West)
at Valpo (5-1-1, 0-0 Horizon)

 This Week in Crusader Soccer: Valparaiso will play its final two tune-up contests for Horizon League action this weekend as the Crusaders return to Eastgate Field to host Central Michigan and South Dakota.  The Crusaders look to continue the best start in program history, entering the weekend at 5-1-1.

On the Air: Both Friday and Sunday’s matches can be heard live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso).  The matches will also be webcast live through www.valpoathletics.com.

Head Coach John Marovich: John Marovich is 5-1-1 in his first season overall and with Valpo after serving as an assistant for six years.

Series Notes: Central Michigan holds a 3-1 edge all-time against the Crusaders in a series that began in 1999.  The two schools have not met since August 28, 2005 when the Chippewas posted a 2-1 victory in Mount Pleasant, Mich.  Valpo is 1-1 against Central Michigan at Eastgate Field, winning 1-0 in 2004.  Sunday’s match will be the first meeting ever between Valparaiso and South Dakota.

Scouting Central Michigan: The Chippewas enter play on Friday 5-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in road matches this season.  Winners of two straight, including a 1-0 victory at home against IPFW last Friday, Central Michigan has outscored its opponents 11-3 on the season.  Stephanie Martin leads the offense with 10 points on four goals and two assists while Amanda Waugh has scored three times.  In goal, Shay Mannino has played every minute, posting a 0.50 goals against average.

Scouting South Dakota: The Coyotes enter the weekend with back-to-back victories against Wayne State College and Northern State prior to visiting IUPUI on Friday evening.  Katie Quinones has scored seven times on the season while Sarah Halbach has found the back of the net six more for South Dakota.  In goal, Jennifer Ogren has logged the majority of the minutes, posting a 2.37 GAA and a .692 save percentage.

Wrapping Up Last Week’s Action: Mele Cabral made four saves in 110 minutes last Friday afternoon as Valparaiso and Northern Illinois battled to a 0-0 double-overtime draw in DeKalb.  On Sunday, Valpo wrapped up its three-match road trip with a thrilling 1-0 victory at IPFW.  Dana McGlone scored the match-winner with just 12 seconds remaining in regulation for the lone goal of the match.

It’s Been Awhile: Dana McGlone went 60 contests between scoring match-winning goals until registering the victor at IPFW on Sunday.  Her only previous career match-winner came in her collegiate debut on August 26, 2005 against Murray State at Eastgate Field.

Crusaders Remain Perfect Instate: Valpo moved to a perfect 4-0 against Indiana schools this season after downing IPFW.  Valpo opened the year with a victory over Ball State and has also defeated IUPUI and Indiana State.  Valpo still has one match against Butler on the schedule.

Cabral Moves Up Shutouts Chart: With the two more shutouts last weekend, Mele Cabral now has seven career clean sheets, moving her into a tie with Amy Cavanaugh (1996-1999) for second all-time.  Erin Murray (2004-2007) holds the school mark with 20 for a career.  Cabral’s five shutouts this season are tied for third most on the single season charts, just one shy of Murray’s record of six set in 2004 and 2007.

Among the Nation’s Best: As a team, Valparaiso ranks seventh in the country with a 0.272 goals against average and sixth in save percentage at .939.  The Crusaders are also 10th in shutout percentage at .714.  Individually, Mele Cabral is 10th with the .939 save mark and 12th in goals against average with the .272 mark.

Trio Among Top Scorers All-Time: Kendall Brown has moved alone into third place all-time at Valpo with 19 career goals with her first goal this year.  Her 46 career points also rank third on the Crusader career list.  Lori Johnson is sixth in school history with 12 goals and seventh with 31 points while Sarah Jewell is tied for seventh with 11 goals and eighth with 27 points.

Valpo Picked Fifth in Preseason Poll: The Crusaders were selected to finish in a tie for fifth place in the Horizon League according to the preseason poll conducted of the league’s head coaches.  Milwaukee was picked to win the league.