Indiana University Athletics
HOOSIERS ESCAPE THE BULLDOGS
9/18/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Indianapolis, Ind.--The no.4 ranked Hoosiers (3-2) needed to find a way to win. Tonight that is exactly what they did. Similar to the Yale game, IU found themselves in a hole 1-0 early in the second period. But IU managed to get some quality chances to defeat Fresno State 2-1 at the Nike/Snickers Soccerfest IV held at Kuntz Stadium.
"This was a big win for us," head coach Jerry Yeagley said. "We were aggressive. We played some of our best soccer of the season tonight."
The game started as a defensive battle. At the half, each team had just two shots apiece, but no clear chances on goal.
The Hoosiers maintained possession of the ball throughout the second period. At the 58th minute, Aleksey Korol broke away from the Bulldog defense for a chance at goal. However, 'keeper Jeremy Proud was ready for Korol and collided into him. Korol had to leave the game for limping to the sideline.
Fresno State scored the first goal at the 67th minute. Bulldog Ryan Katz had a one on one battle with freshman goalkeeper Doug Warren. Katz's first shot was deflected right back to him. His second attempt went right by Warren for the early 1-0 lead.
The Hoosiers got their first goal at the 80th minute. B.J. Snow played the ball down to Nick Garcia on the left side of the box, who then crossed to Matt Fundenberger. Fundenberger, who led the team with four shots, scored about five yards out to even things up at 1-1.
Towards the end of the second period, Aleksey Korol reentered the game just in time. He had his chance at the 89th minute. Fundenberger passed the ball to Korol just two yards from the goal. Korol just tapped the shot by the goalie with just 20 seconds to spare. That marked Korol's fourth goal in five total games and his second game-winning goal.
Coach Yeagley was pleased with the Hoosiers performance. "We found a way to win tonight in tough situations."
The Hoosiers play again in the Nike/Snickers Soccerfest IV on Sunday against Texas Christian. Action begins at 2 p.m. at Kuntz Stadium.
