Indiana University Athletics
Late Goal Gives Indiana 1-0 Win Over Virginia Tech
4/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 19, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY- Karst Farm Park
Coach Freitag previews the Mexico match
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - - Eric Alexander's slow roller past Virginia Tech goalkeeper Stefan Caulfield proved to be the difference as the Indiana men's soccer team posted a 1-0 victory over the Hokies Saturday night at Armstrong Stadium.
The win gives the Hoosiers a 3-1-2 record this spring.
"We did some good things and didn't give Virginia Tech a lot of chances," said head coach Mike Freitag. "The thing about the game is to finish and score goals and we still need to get better in the final third. But in all I like a lot of what the guys are doing."
The stats tilted heavily in the Hoosiers' favor, out-shooting Virginia Tech by a 17-6 margin. Brad Ring kicked things off in the first half with a look that rolled wide. That was followed by a free kick from Michael Roach which bounced off the back of Alexander and at the feet of Billy Weaver who angled his shot high and wide.
The Hokies had three shots in the first half with the most dangerous coming off the foot of Ben Nason. Nason's shot forced a diving effort from IU goalkeeper Chay Cain, who just got a hand on the ball to deflect it wide.
Kevin Noschang got in behind the Tech defense early in the second half but had to wait for his teammates to catch up to set up the play. Noschang played the ball back to Andy Adlard who sent his attempt high. Billy Weaver had a weak roller aimed right at Caulfield, who easily scooped up the ball for the save.
Alexander finally broke through in the 77th minute, keeping his composure as he scrambled through the defense before sending in a shot that deflected off Caulfield and into the net. The Hoosiers had a chance to add to their lead just minutes later when Alec Purdie played the ball into an open Lee Hagedorn, but Hagedorn angled his shot just high.
Cain picked up one save in 45 minutes of action before freshman Michael Munroe came on for the second half. Weaver had a team-best four shot attempts.
It was a busy day for the Hoosiers as they started things off in the morning by signing autographs at Bloomington Cutters soccer matches at Karst Farm Park. The team was out in the community to promote its upcoming match against the Mexican Youth National Team.
Indiana will close out its spring schedule against the Under-20 Mexico squad on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium. This is the fourth-straight season that the Hoosiers have played host to the international friendly, with Mexico holding a 2-1 advantage on the field.
Tickets are $5 for adults, while IU students, youths (ages 2-18) and groups of 25 or more can purchase tickets for just $3 each. Children two and under are free. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 500 fans will receive a rally towel from adidas. Ticket may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game or in advance by calling the IU Athletic Ticket Office at 866-IUSPORTS.
