Oct. 28, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers extended their winning streak to three games with a 3-0 win over Oakland Thursday afternoon at the Varsity Soccer Complex. Goals were scored by Crystal Rivas, Jill Sarbaugh and Shauna Stapleton.
The victory lifted Purdue to 10-8, giving the program its fifth-straight ten win season. The loss dropped the Golden Grizzlies to 8-10.
During their three-game winning streak, the Boilermakers have outscored their opponents, 6-0, with the offense posting 15 or more shots each match.
Purdue struggled early to solve Oakland's 4-4-2 alignment, but finally broke onto the scoreboard in the 30th minute with a goal from Crystal Rivas.
Lori Arnold, who was given the assist, pushed the ball through midfield and blooped her pass to Rivas as she crossed the 18-yard line. Rivas shook off one defender and beat Oakland goalkeeper Jessica Howard to score her first goal of the season.
Howard had run out of the net to stop Rivas, but as she closed in, the senior forward shifted direction and booted her shot into the right side.
The goal was Rivas' first since Purdue's 4-1 win at Iowa on Oct. 1, 2003.
The Boilermakers came close to padding to their first half lead, but a Kim Comisar penalty kick was saved by Howard, and Rivas' attempt to put back the rebound was blocked by a defender.
Purdue continued its attack into the second period, receiving goals from freshmen Sarbaugh and Stapleton. It was the second goal of the season for both rookies, and the second in two games for Stapleton.
Sarbaugh came within inches of being the first Purdue player to score two goals in a match this season, but her breakaway attempt in the 58th minute was derailed by Howard near the five-yard line.
Sarbaugh had her revenge six minutes later, striking a diagonal blast from 25-yards out into the left corner of the net. The ball sailed well over the reach of the 5-5 Howard, who completed the match with seven saves.
Stapleton capped the Boilermakers' scoring run in the 71st minute, blasting in a Parrissa Eyorokon rebound that bounced off an Oakland defender.
The defense again played solidly, holding the Golden Grizzlies to 11 shots. Goalkeepers Maureen Carey and Lauren Mason combined for the shutout on five saves.
Kristin Lichtenberg had a clutch match at center back, heading out an Oakland corner kick and direct free kick. She also came up with a huge save in front of the net, kicking the ball off the goal line while on her back.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and with a 3-0 lead, Lichtenberg saw her consecutive minutes streak come to an end with seven minutes remaining. Lichtenberg's streak ended at 1,613 minutes.
Lichtenberg should begin a new streak when the Boilermakers complete their 2004 regular season with a 2 p.m. match Saturday at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Panthers are led by head coach Michael Moynihan, who is the brother of Purdue assistant coach Sue Moynihan.
Purdue's run towards a Big Ten title begins next Thursday at 4:30 p.m., facing tournament host Ohio State. The Buckeyes beat the Boilermakers earlier this season, 1-0, on a penalty kick.