Valparaiso University

Taking on one of the nation's top mid-major programs on the road, where the hosts haven't lost since the 2023 season, the Valpo soccer team put together a strong effort Sunday afternoon at Western Michigan, battling the Broncos before falling by a 2-0 final.
 
How It Happened

• Western Michigan struck first in the 23^rd minute, as Sophia Bowman found the back of the net just seconds past the halfway mark of the opening period.
• The match remained 1-0 into the halftime break, with Valpo goalkeeper Salange Bell (Montclair, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Academy [Montclair State]) making three first-half saves to keep it a one-goal deficit.
• Valpo outshot the hosts 9-6 in the second half and earned both of the corner kicks of the period, but was unable to find the back of the net.
• With the Beacons pushing late looking for an equalizer, WMU's Tessa Ferguson closed the scoring in the 84^th minute.

 
Inside the Match

• Sunday's matchup was the first between the two programs since 2017.
• Valpo was taking on a WMU team which won 16 matches a season ago and claimed MAC regular season and tournament titles. The Broncos were coming off a draw against #12 Colorado on Thursday.
• WMU held a 14-10 advantage in shots and put seven efforts on goal to the Beacons' two. Bell made five saves in net for Valpo.
• Three Valpo field players played the full 90 minutes on Sunday, including Eve Miller (Slippery Rock, Pa./Slippery Rock Area), who went the distance for the first time in her collegiate career.

 
Thoughts From Coach Marovich
"Our group battled for the full 90 minutes in a place that Western Michigan hasn't lost at in two years. It was a great battle with both sides competing on every pass. This match intensity is exactly the type of game our program loves and grows from."

"The wind had an effect, but I felt like we did a really good job in our tactical plan in both halves and created challenges to WMU. When they adjusted to create more numbers centrally, we stayed true to our identity and adjusted to handle it. These are the games that are so valuable for our team's development."

"We had a real push in the second half — we got nine shots, with an Alyssa Thomas first-time volley on a set piece being the most dangerous opportunity. Our entire midfield battled in aerial duels and Lily Printz put in a shift today that was exactly what the team needed from her. I'm so proud of this group's mentality and fight. It's what makes working with them so rewarding."

Next Up
Valpo (1-3-1) continues its three-match road swing Thursday afternoon at Purdue Fort Wayne at 3 p.m. CT.