Missed chances by women’s soccer team lead to weekend split

In IU’s 10th shot attempt, junior forward Orianica Velasquez scored the first goal, giving IU a 1-0 lead that proved to be the final margin against Oakland on Sunday. It gave the team its second win of the season.

Freshman midfielder Jordan Woolums earned the assist.

“We have to be more accurate and take advantage of chances we have,” Velasquez said. “This is a good team, but we’re going to have tough games where we are going to have just two chances. The thing we have to do is to score those two.”

Three of the Hoosiers’ six first-half shots came in the final six minutes of the first half. Indiana created three more opportunities early in the second half before the goal by Velasquez.

The Hoosiers had eight more shot attempts but were unable to convert.

On the other side of the ball, IU allowed only one second-half shot from Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies earned just one corner kick.

“We’ve been working a lot on communication lately, which has been leading to a lot of improvements,” sophomore defender Lara Ross said. “We had to adapt to their style of play and push one of our center backs up. With that increased pressure in the middle, they weren’t allowed to play the way that they’re used to.”

IU Coach Mick Lyon believes the team’s defensive versatility made it possible for them to adapt. He listed junior defender Molly Buynak  and senior defender Kerri Krawczak as examples.

“We took one of the defenders and pushed her into the midfield to give us that extra depth,” Lyon said. “Molly started the second half in that role, with Kerri Krawczak as the holding central player. With Kerri fit to play, she’s a key figure for us. She’s a four-year starter, and she got to play on Friday for the first time and did well. This is only her second time playing this year. It was a good thing to see.”

Senior goalkeeper Lindsay Campbell kept the opposing team scoreless for the 12th time in her career. She is now third on the all-time school shutout list.

After IU fell behind 1-0 early on Friday against South Florida in Tampa, Fla., the Hoosiers were briefly saved by sophomore Lisa Nouanesengsy’s fourth goal of the season.

The second time, IU could not score an equalizer as the Bulls scored in the 50th minute. That goal proved to be the decisive score as South Florida won 2-1 in their first game in their new stadium.

Campbell recorded a career-high nine saves.

“Campbell had a tremendous game,” Lyon said. “We forced them to shoot from 35 yards. The few times they got in, Campbell was there to turn them away.”

Despite the loss, Lyon thought his team showed promise in the game.

“Overall, we played well,” Lyon said. ”We never gave up, always there to get a second goal but just couldn’t find it. We will be a better team for having played this physical game.”