After a complete lull for the first 75 minutes of the game, drama ramped up between Indiana women’s soccer and Purdue in the closing stages. However, this was to no avail as the in-state rivals drew with nothing to show for on the goal sheet, finishing at 0-0. The draw stabilizes the Hoosiers’ record at 6-5-1, as they keep the golden boot trophy following last year’s win.
The first half was a slow start for both sides, with each team tallying one shot in the first 45 minutes, neither on net. Possession was traded early and often, with most of the action fizzling in the middle third of the field.
Junior forward Marisa Grzesiak was the lone bright spot for the Hoosier offense in the first half, consistently creating action down the sideline. Her best play created the team’s only shot of the half - a cross to sophomore midfielder Elle Britt that gave her a shot from point-blank range that sailed over the goal. The Hoosier defense also shined, limiting Boilermaker opportunities and creating turnovers.
TheHoosier offense kicked into gear in the second half, starting with freshman forward and team-leading goal and assist scorer Layla Sirdah. Sirdah sprinted down the field, navigating through multiple defenders before coming to a halt and shooting with her left foot in the box. Unfortunately, the shot was straight to sophomore Purdue goalie Emily Edwards, but it ignited a spark in the offense.
Indiana continued to create pressure in the 18-yard box, including two plays that were reviewed for a handball but not granted to the Hoosiers. The defense continued to keep the Hoosiers in the game, with senior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg only having to record one save on three shots to earn the clean sheet.
Sophomore defender Piper Coffield was pleased with the defensive unit’s communication and discipline in the draw.
“I think we did well holding together, getting the ball out of the back line and continuing to stay organized,” Coffield said postgame.
Indiana head coach Erwin van Bennekom echoed a similar sentiment about the strong defensive pressure, especially in the closing moments of the second half as the drama amplified.
“I don’t think they had any chances, so I was happy about that,” van Bennekom said. “We defended well, we pressed well, and they really couldn’t get near our goal for the most part.”
The drama began to pick up with 15 minutes remaining in the half, as both teams gave maximum effort to try to scratch across the winning goal. The Hoosiers began to send more people into the attacking half and press up on Boilermaker defenders, creating strong opportunities in bunches as the game clock waned.
The Hoosiers were able to generate momentum off of free kicks, which they were given plenty of due to a physical Boilermaker team that tallied seven fouls in the match. With 12 minutes left, a long-distance free kick was perfectly placed into the box and onto the boot of graduate senior defender Avery Snead, but it was pushed just left of the goal post.
Coffield discussed being more aggressive when the ball is in play to convert on the numerous set pieces Indiana had.
“We had some that we got on the end of which is good to see, and we have some really talented players in the air,” Coffield said. “It’s frustrating when they don’t go your way, and there were a couple on the second ball where we could be a little bit more scrappy.”
The opportunities continued to arrive as the game neared a close, highlighted by a Purdue turnover in its half that led to a five on two transition opportunity for the Hoosiers. The high percentage chance was not converted, with Sirdah getting an uncontested shot from close range that was punched over the top post.
Although the match was a tie, van Bennekom was pleased with his team’s performance and thought they were the better side.
“We deserved to win,” van Bennekom said. “We didn’t get it, but I was proud of the performance outside of the finishing touches that we would’ve loved to see go in.”
Indiana will look to get back in the win column, following two losses and a tie in its last three matches, with a home match against Wisconsin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Follow reporters Sam Elster (@samelster1) and Matt Rudella (@mattrudellaIDS) for updates throughout the Indiana women’s soccer season.
