West Lafayette, Ind. – The Purdue women's soccer team, which is quickly earning a reputation as a second-half menace, struck again with its 2-1 comeback over No. 24 Louisville at Folk Field on Thursday.
Despite trailing at halftime, Purdue notched the final two goals of the game. First, sophomore Kylie Hase produced the equalizer in the 65th minute before junior Ena Sabanagic netted the game-winner in the 74th minute.
Sabanagic's goal was the first of her career. The Hanover Park, Illinois, native took the shot from 20-yards out on an unsuspecting Louisville keeper after subbing in just two minutes prior. The assist came from freshman Skylurr Patrick and the ball was perfectly placed, landing in the upper right corner of the net.
For the second time this season, the 2009 Purdue women's soccer game at No. 6 Texas A&M is called into recollection – this time not for one of the quickest goals scored in Purdue history – but what stands as the last time the Boilermakers beat a ranked opponent. With Thursday's victory, Purdue amassed the program's 15th win against a ranked team. In the last five seasons Purdue beat a top-25 team, the Boilermakers have made the NCAA tournament each time.
Louisville controlled the tempo to open the game, however the possession began to shift toward Purdue with about 15 minutes remaining in the first half, which the Boilermakers built upon in the second. Despite an 8-4 shot comparison in the second half, Purdue's pressure on Louisville was escalating and its opportunities becoming more dangerous.
Hase scored first off a corner kick. The ball was just able to slip by Louisville goalkeeper Gabrielle Kouzelos' hand midair for Hase to head the ball in. It marked the fifth consecutive game where Hase has found the back of the net. Sarah Clark recorded the assist.
After Sabanagic scored, Louisville was ready to respond. Freshman Marisa Bova, who started in her first collegiate game, produced three straight critical saves in the span of just two minutes as the Cardinals were circling for the equalizer that never came.
Seven Boilermakers saw action for the full 90 minutes – Bova, Sarah Clark, Sydney Duarte, Hase, Hannah Mussallem, Grace Walsh and Julia Ware.
Hase and Aly Mielke led the Boilermakers with two shots apiece.
Purdue (4-1-1) handed No. 24 Louisville (5-1) its first lost off the season. Heading into the competition, the Cardinals allowed just three goals in five outings and averaged 15.4 shots per game. The Boilermakers held the Cardinals to just 13 shots for its second-lowest mark of the season.
Thursday's win was the program's first ranked victory under head coach Drew Roff, who already had two draws under his belt.
Up Next:
Purdue will close its non-conference schedule at home Sunday against Western Michigan at 1 p.m. ET.
Despite trailing at halftime, Purdue notched the final two goals of the game. First, sophomore Kylie Hase produced the equalizer in the 65th minute before junior Ena Sabanagic netted the game-winner in the 74th minute.
Sabanagic's goal was the first of her career. The Hanover Park, Illinois, native took the shot from 20-yards out on an unsuspecting Louisville keeper after subbing in just two minutes prior. The assist came from freshman Skylurr Patrick and the ball was perfectly placed, landing in the upper right corner of the net.
Watch and repeat. ??#BoilerUp #MakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/0ZUgqrlXdk
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 7, 2018
For the second time this season, the 2009 Purdue women's soccer game at No. 6 Texas A&M is called into recollection – this time not for one of the quickest goals scored in Purdue history – but what stands as the last time the Boilermakers beat a ranked opponent. With Thursday's victory, Purdue amassed the program's 15th win against a ranked team. In the last five seasons Purdue beat a top-25 team, the Boilermakers have made the NCAA tournament each time.
The Boilermakers take down No. 24 Louisville for the program's first victory over a ranked team since 2009! #MakeItHappen #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/jGioKGCNXw
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 7, 2018
Louisville controlled the tempo to open the game, however the possession began to shift toward Purdue with about 15 minutes remaining in the first half, which the Boilermakers built upon in the second. Despite an 8-4 shot comparison in the second half, Purdue's pressure on Louisville was escalating and its opportunities becoming more dangerous.
Hase scored first off a corner kick. The ball was just able to slip by Louisville goalkeeper Gabrielle Kouzelos' hand midair for Hase to head the ball in. It marked the fifth consecutive game where Hase has found the back of the net. Sarah Clark recorded the assist.
After Sabanagic scored, Louisville was ready to respond. Freshman Marisa Bova, who started in her first collegiate game, produced three straight critical saves in the span of just two minutes as the Cardinals were circling for the equalizer that never came.
The moment junior @Enaaaaa6 scores her first collegiate goal, which happened to also be the game-winner vs. No. 24 Louisville. ??#OnlyTheStrong #MakeItHappen #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/ITVsNosYfR
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 7, 2018
Seven Boilermakers saw action for the full 90 minutes – Bova, Sarah Clark, Sydney Duarte, Hase, Hannah Mussallem, Grace Walsh and Julia Ware.
Hase and Aly Mielke led the Boilermakers with two shots apiece.
Purdue (4-1-1) handed No. 24 Louisville (5-1) its first lost off the season. Heading into the competition, the Cardinals allowed just three goals in five outings and averaged 15.4 shots per game. The Boilermakers held the Cardinals to just 13 shots for its second-lowest mark of the season.
Thursday's win was the program's first ranked victory under head coach Drew Roff, who already had two draws under his belt.
Roll the highlights. ??#BoilerUp #MakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/wRM99uRRC2
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 7, 2018
Up Next:
Purdue will close its non-conference schedule at home Sunday against Western Michigan at 1 p.m. ET.