Cardinals Defeat Hoosiers 1-0 on Thursday Night

Thursday, September 5

LOUISVILLE, KY

7:30 p.m.

University of Louisville

5-0-0-, 0-0-0

Indiana

1-3-0, 0-0-0

Indiana

Louisville

Photo by: Adam Creech | Louisville Athletics

September 05, 2019 | Women's Soccer

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Emina Ekic’s penalty kick goal lifts the Cards to 5-0 on the season

By: Chandler Brandes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A penalty kick goal by Emina Ekic proved to be the game-winner in Louisville's 1-0 victory over Indiana on Thursday night at Lynn Stadium.

With the win, the Cardinals are off to a 5-0 start on the season for the second-consecutive year. The Hoosiers fall to 1-3.

Despite holding a 61-39 advantage in possession after the first 45 minutes of action, the Cardinals could not find the back of the net. Louisville outshot Indiana 3-1 and finished with five corner kicks compared to the Hoosiers' one at the end of the first half.

The Cardinals had a few chances to break the scoreless tie early in the second half but could not sneak past Hoosier goalkeeper Bethany Kopel, who finished the game with two saves.

In the 77th minute, a foul called on a Hoosier defender in their box awarded Louisville a penalty kick and a chance to take the lead. Ekic delivered, firing a shot to the right post to put the Cards up 1-0.

Ekic, whose goal marked her third of the season, led the team with seven shots while Gabby Kouzelos recorded a pair of saves. The Cardinals' backline held the Hoosiers to only two shots and Louisville had a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks in the second half.

The Cardinals continue their seven-game home stretch on Thursday, Sept. 12 as they welcome Dayton to Lynn Stadium at 7:30 p.m.