Indiana University Athletics
HOOSIERS DEFEAT PENN STATE TO ADVANCE TO BIG TEN FINAL
11/15/1997 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
HOOSIERS DEFEAT PENN STATE TO ADVANCE TO BIG TEN FINAL
Bloomington, Ind.- Dema Kovalenko's first half goal proved to be all the Hoosiers needed as IU defeated Penn State, 4-0 in a snowstorm at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kovalenko scored on an assist from Lazo Alavanja at the 7:41 mark to give Indiana the 1-0 lead which they would take to the half.
The Hoosiers would then score three second half goals by Yuri Lavrinenko, Alavanja, and Matt Fundenberger to round out the scoring. IU's defense played a huge part in the victory, holding Penn State to just one shot per half.
"With a one goal lead and then going against the wind in the second half, anything can happen, " Head Coach Jerry Yeagley said. "But this team seems able to reach down and come up with whatever it needs to."
Alavanja, who was named the Big Ten Player of the Year on Friday, had two assists and a goal in the victory.
The win improves the Hoosiers' record to 19-0-0, and advances them to the final match of the Big Ten Tournament. IU will face Ohio State, which knocked off Michigan State, 3-0 in Saturday's early game. The winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"I think Ohio State is a lot like Stanford," Yeagley said. "They're very difficult defensively and they don't give up very much."
The Big Ten Championship match will be played at Bill Armstrong Stadium at 2 p.m. It will be broadcast live on WGCL (AM 1370), and will be on tape-delay on Fox Sports Chicago on Sunday night at midnight.
SCORING SUMMARY:
IU- Kovalenko (Alavanja), 7:41
IU- Lavrinenko (Alavanja), 59:26
IU- Alavanja (Fadeski), 66:19
IU- Fundenberger (74:30), 74:30
Shots: IU- 13, PSU-2;
Corners: IU-10, PSU-2;
Saves: IU-0, PSU-3;
Fouls: IU- 23, PSU-21;
Offsides: IU- 5, PSU-1.
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