Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Purdue
Hoosiers Win Third Straight Over Purdue
10/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Indiana University women's soccer team (6-11-1, 2-9-1 Big Ten) picked up a 1-0 win at Purdue on Saturday night, defeating the Boilermakers for the third straight season. The game-winning goal was scored in the 49th minute by Veronica Ellis and goalkeeper Sarah Stone made nine saves to preserve the win.
"This game was very important for us," Indiana head coach Amy Berbary said. "Not only for our own pride but the pride in the 'Indiana' that is on the front of our jersey and the pride in such a great rivalry. For us to remain focused and get better, all while knowing that our chances at making it to the postseason are over, says a lot about the heart of the players on this team."
The Hoosiers goal by Ellis was assisted by senior Abby Smith in the opening minutes of the second half. After Smith tried to break free in the middle of the field just outside the 18-yard box, she played a pass over to Ellis. The sophomore was able to create enough space to get a looping shot on goal that deflected off the top of the Purdue goalkeeper's hands, off the bottom of the cross bar and into the goal.
It marked the fifth career goal for Ellis - and all five have been game-winining goals.
Indiana relied on Stone in goal to keep the clean sheet, the fourth of the season and seventh of her career. It started in the 11th minute when she had to make a diving save on a shot from the middle of the box to keep Purdue off the board. She thwarted the remaining threats by the Boilermakers in the half, including a header attempt in the 44th minute, allowing the teams to enter halftime scoreless.
Perhaps the best chance of the night for Purdue came in the 79th minute, on a shot that appeared to be headed for the upper corner of the goal. But Stone was able to leap into the air, catch the ball and hang onto it for the save. The Boilermakers then drew a couple corner kicks in the closing minutes but Stone was there to punch the ball out of harms way.
"It's an amazing feeling," redshirt senior Rebecca Dreher said. "We are the first IU women's soccer team to ever beat Purdue three straight seasons. We came into the game playing for Indiana and playing for Lisa. After all the close calls that haven't gone our way recently, it feels great to come away from this one with the result."
The Hoosiers will conclude the regular season on Friday, playing host to the Michigan State Spartans at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The game will start at 7 p.m., but it is also Senior Day, where we will recognize the accomplishments of the six seniors on the team. The game will feature live video streaming on BTN Plus.
Media Contact: Nathan Wiechers, nwiecher@indiana.edu
