Hoosiers take down Sycamores

The IU women’s soccer team battled through Wednesday night’s match at Bill Armstrong Stadium, putting on the attack against Indiana State to add a 3-1 win to the team’s record.

The Hoosiers took control during the first half, outshooting the Sycamores 13 shots to one, seven of which were on goal. Indiana State was unable to get a shot off until the final minute of the half, allowing junior goalkeeper Shannon Flower her first save of the match.

IU, on the other hand, consistently pressured the Indiana State goal, with junior midfielder Lisa Nouanesengsy tapping the ball in from six yards from a cross by junior forward Rebecca Candler 26 minutes in. This was Nouanesengsy’s sixth goal of the season and Candler’s fourth assist.     

“We obviously dominated the first half in every category except goals,” IU Coach Mick Lyon said. “We had a number of very, very good chances, but we didn’t put them away.”

Indiana State immediately retaliated to start the second half, scoring within two minutes of the start of the half and maintaining a more even level of play.

“There was no doubt they were definitely going to come out and push us,” Lyon said. “That’s what we talked about in the locker room, that they’re going to try to get back into the game.”

Despite the resulting 1-1 tie and increasing Indiana State aggression, the Hoosiers continued pushing forward, creating combinations up front and trying to find the back of the net.

“This team is working hard to win games,” senior forward Orianica Velasquez said. “Before the games, we set some goals. One of those goals was to win, and we didn’t want to tie, especially in Bloomington.”

And in the 77th minute, freshman midfielder Jessie Bujouves tallied the second goal of the game for IU off a free kick just inside the box, bringing the team back into the lead.   

Velasquez then rounded out the scoring for the Hoosiers, pounding the back of the net with a penalty kick in the final two minutes of the second half to bring the final score to 3-1.

The in-state rivalry was the team’s last match before starting Big Ten play Saturday at Michigan. 

“It’ll be a tough road start at Michigan,” Lyon said. “But I certainly expect that this team is good enough to get points on the road, and that’s what we’re focused on. So, I’m looking forward to the Big Ten and getting some wins.”