Sept. 10, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Freshman Parrissa Eyorokon scored the game-winner in Purdue's 3-2 triumph over Miami Friday at the Varsity Soccer Complex. The win lifted the Boilermakers' record to 3-2, while the RedHawks dropped to 2-2.
Eyorokon's goal, her second of the season, occurred in the 69th minute and was unassisted. The rookie from West Chester, Ohio, created her own score after maneuvering around three Miami defenders in the goal box.
After separating herself from the defense, Eyorokon ripped the shot over the head of RedHawk goalkeeper Megan Ortner into the top right corner.
Friday's match was a see-saw offensive battle, as the team's exchanged five goals while combining for 34 shots. Senior goalkeeper Maureen Carey, who started the second half, earned her first victory of the season, making one save and allowing one goal.
Sophomore Lauren Mason started for Purdue, collecting two saves and allowing one goal. Ortner played a complete game with four saves.
"It was a wide open soccer match," said Purdue head coach Rob Klatte. "It's not exactly the type of game coaches want to see. I liked our offensive attack and our enthusiasm, but we have to learn to shut down opponents better defensively. I think we played too open on defense, and that could come back to haunt us during the Big Ten season."
Senior Lori Arnold put the Boilermakers on the scoreboard early with her goal in the third minute. Arnold received the ball near midfield, and like Eyorokon, was able to slip past several defenders en route to the net. With Ortner out of position in the goal box, Arnold blasted the ball into the lower left corner to give Purdue its initial lead.
The Boilermakers' lead held up until the 30th minute, when Miami's Kathleen Vistica knocked in a direct free kick taken by Ashley Swineheart. Vistica's hit fooled Mason as it bounced off the ground into the bottom of the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Purdue took its second lead of the game in the 59th minute off a Jill Sarbaugh blast from the far left side. Sarbaugh streaked down the left side and torched the ball on a diagonal shot past Ortner from almost 20-yards back.
Although the freshman's gamble paid off nicely, Purdue could only hold its lead for three minutes after Miami easily converted on a direct free kick from the top of the penalty box. The RedHawks second and final goal was booted over the head of Carey by Kate Padfield.
Miami had a number of chances to score its third equalizer in the final 20 minutes, but the Purdue defense came through with several takeaways. One of the key interceptions was made by defender Zarinah Blockton, who picked off RedHawk Ashley Swinehart as she was preparing to make her turn in the goal box.
Miami's offense was led by midfielder Laura Freel, who completed the match with three of the RedHawks 14 shots. Arnold and Eyorokon paced the Purdue offense with five shots each; three of Arnold's shots were on goal.
"Offensively, we made some great plays with our outside midfielders and defensive backs getting in on the ball," said Klatte. "We looked fast in our attacks, we were mobile and that gave us the ability to initiate our scores. I was happiest seeing our outside midfielders getting past our forwards, which created some nice three-player combos up front."
Purdue's next match is Sunday at 1 p.m. against Wright State, who was beaten on the Varsity Soccer Complex's West side by Illinois, 2-0. Illini goals were scored by Tara Hurless and Alaree Gunville.
Wright State's goalkeeper Steph Comisar is the sister of Purdue midfielder Kim Comisar. Steph played a complete game in goal and made seven saves. Illinois out shot the Raiders, 17-4.