Cardinals unable to convert after early Eastern Kentucky goal

<p>Junior Midfielder Emily Scott attempts to kick the ball away from Northern Illinois University on Oct. 30, 2017 at Briner Sports Complex.&nbsp;Teri Lightning Jr., DN</p>

Junior Midfielder Emily Scott attempts to kick the ball away from Northern Illinois University on Oct. 30, 2017 at Briner Sports Complex. Teri Lightning Jr., DN

Looking to stay undefeated in the early season, Ball State soccer (1-1, 0-0 MAC) traveled to Richmond, KY to take on Eastern Kentucky (2-1, 0-0 OVC). An early goal by the Colonels would be the only score of the match as the Cardinals would fall, 1-0. 

“I thought we finished strong, but we were very unlucky not to get the equalizer,” Head coach Craig Roberts said. “At the end of the game, I was really proud of the way the girls kept competing with the task of being a goal behind. I though they really gave it their all to get back in the game.” 

While the Colonels were able to convert in the first five minutes of the game, the Cardinals were able to stay in the game throughout. The Cardinals outshot the Colonels 14 to six with five of  shots on goal. 

“I thought the team collectively did well in regards to how they battled,” Roberts said. “I thought they all came to battle and they showed their strong qualities, which are going to be needed down the stretch.”

The Cardinals had trouble converting on various opportunities throughout the match. The Cardinals had the advantage in corner kicks four to two, but could not find the back of the net. The team also fell into some foul trouble drawing nine fouls on the night with six fouls drawn in the second half alone.  

“We are looking for them to convert their opportunities and to stick with the project of us improving,” Roberts said. My emphasis on them is to make improvements on areas we talk about. If they do that, the result will be respective in the way that we are making progress and getting better.”

The Cardinals will head north to Morehead, KY to take on Morehead State later this weekend. The Eagles are coming off of a 2-1 overtime loss to Kentucky and also hold a 2-1 win over another MAC competitor in Akron. According to Roberts, correction to minor details will benefit the Cardinals in the long run.

“We are not far off,” Roberts said. “We just need to correct one or two things to get back into it and I think we’ll fare well.

The Cardinals will face off against the Eagles on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jayne Stadium in Morehead. 

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