INDIANAPOLIS – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer opened the 2023 season on the road in the state capital Thursday evening, falling 2-0 at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
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The first half started with early looks for the Screaming Eagles (0-1-0). USI fired away three shots within the first five minutes of the match. IUPUI (1-0-0) took hold of the first-half momentum, scoring in the 17th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The host Jaguars played a long pass to the far side of the box, and after a cutback move, a deflected shot snuck inside the post for the IUPUI goal.
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IUPUI doubled its advantage in the 55th minute right before the skies opened with a downpour. After a race to the ball, IUPUI grabbed a 2-0 lead on a goal in the top-right corner of the net. The Screaming Eagles nearly answered with a goal of their own about 10 minutes later when the rainfall lightened. Sophomore midfielder Peyton Murphy (Bargersville, Indiana) sent a free kick into the box where senior defender Alexis Schone (Galena, Ohio) headed the ball just inches above the crossbar.
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In the 82nd minute, USI threatened in the attacking third. Junior midfielder Adriana Berruti (Berwyn, Illinois) crossed a ball in that was headed first time by freshman forward Greta Ohlwein (Chicago, Illinois) and a second time toward goal by freshman midfielder Reese Frericks (Spring Grove, Illinois). However, IUPUI junior goalkeeper Ashton Kudlo was able to get a glove tip on the header and haul it in.
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Statistically, USI was led by Murphy and junior midfielder Maggie Duggan (Defiance, Missouri) with two shots and one on goal each. USI totaled eight shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Anna Markland (Hoover, Alabama) tallied three saves on 12 shots faced in her first career start.
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Southern Indiana will host its home opener from Strassweg Field Sunday at 1 p.m. against the University of North Alabama. Sunday’s match can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.
