The Basics
Score: Saginaw Valley 2, Indianapolis 0
Records: SVSU (3-0-0) | Indy (1-1-0)
Location: Braddock Field - University Center, Mich.
UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Playing in the team's third straight regional matchup, the SVSU women's soccer team hosted the University of Indianapolis on Tuesday (Sep. 6) afternoon in a non-conference tilt at Saginaw Valley's Braddock Field. After playing to a 0-0 draw through the first 45 minutes, the Lady Cardinals got two second half goals from senior Ashley Henderson to help post a 2-0 shutout victory over the Greyhounds.
Saginaw Valley got six shots off in the first period compared to Indy's three, as neither team was able to punch one past the other goalkeeper.
The game's first score came at the 48' mark, as freshman Jennifer Muanamputu hit a long pass to Henderson in stride, setting her up for a goal and the 1-0 lead.
Just 10 minutes later at the 58' point, sophomore Amanda Minissale struck a nice ball off a corner kick and Henderson headed that one into the net, pushing the lead to 2-0.
That would be all that the Cards would need, as they kept the clean sheet intact and sealed their third straight victory to open the 2016 campaign.
Inside the Boxscore
- Henderson's two goals give her three on the season, which currently has her tied atop the GLIAC.
- Muanamputu notched her first-ever point in a Cardinal uniform with the assist on the first goal.
- Minissale's helper was her first point as well, coming early in her second season.
- Claire Spleth (3-0-0) remained unbeaten on the season after her second shutout in three matches. She faced eight shots total in the match.
- Saginaw Valley posted a 16-8 overall edge in the shots category and 5-0 advantage in shots on goal.
- The 3-0 start for SV is the first since the 2006 season, when the Cardinals began the season 4-0. SVSU began the 2014 season with 10 straight unbeaten matches (2 ties).
From Head Coach Michael O'Neill
"I'm proud of the girls for fighting through what were extremely tough conditions today. The heat made the game very slow and, at halftime, we were frustrated with how we were managing the game. The second half was a lot better and we were able to establish a stronghold right from the whistle. Two well-taken goals from Ashley allowed us some breathing space. Then, with our depth off the bench we were able to manage the game in our attacking half. Overall, a great start to the season and we are looking to continue this momentum into the weekend."
Up Next...
Saginaw Valley hosts Tiffin University on Friday (Sep. 9) in a non-conference match between the two GLIAC members. First kick is set for 1:00 p.m. at SVSU's Braddock Field.
