WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – For the first time in six years, Purdue soccer is off to a 2-0 start to the season. The Boilers kept their hot streak rolling on Sunday afternoon, overpowering Ball State 5–2 at the Briner Sports Complex to move to 2–0 on the season.
Behind a relentless attack, the Boilermakers once again showed their firepower, outshooting the Cardinals 21–5 while another four goal scorers added their name to the box score in the match.
Both Irene Campo and Chiara Singarella scored their second goals of the season, while Angelina Thoreson and Megan Santa Cruz joined in on the party.
Santa Cruz, with back-to-back goals in the second half, became first Boilermaker since 2023 to accomplish the feat, and the first since Singarella in 2024 to have a multi-goal half.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Thoreson opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing off a feed from Cherry Yu. Ball State briefly equalized in the 33rd minute, but Purdue responded quickly as Campo, on a beautiful ball, reclaimed the lead just five minutes later, assisted by Allyssa Turner.
The second half belonged to the Boilermakers. Singarella buried Purdue’s third goal in the 59th minute off the double assist from Campo and Yu. Less than two minutes later, Santa Cruz struck twice in rapid succession—first in the 61st minute with an unassisted finish, then again just over a minute later, combining with Singarella and Katrina Chong to put the game out of reach at 5–1. Ball State pulled one back in the 66th minute, but it was far too late to threaten Purdue’s control.
Santa Cruz’s brace highlighted a deep attacking effort that saw five different players record either a goal or assist. Yu and Campo each tallied two assists, while Edwards held steady in goal, making one save to secure her second win of the season.
With two dominant offensive showings to open the year, Purdue has now scored nine goals in just two matches.
UP NEXT
The Boilermakers return home in the coming week to take on DePaul and Butler. Against Depaul on August 21, the Boilermakers host the infamous Boiler Gold Rush Game, beginning at 7:00 p.m. est.
For more on the Purdue soccer team, visit PurdueSports.com/Soccer and follow and connect with the Boilermakers at @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.