Bulls Defeat Ball State 2-1 for First MAC Win

Thursday, September 30

Buffalo, NY

7:00 PM

7-2-1, 1-1-1

Ball State

3-5-1, 1-1-1

Ball St.

Buffalo

Bulls Defeat Ball State 2-1 for First MAC Win

9/30/2021 9:51:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team (7-2-1) defeated Ball State 2-1 on a chilly evening at UB Stadium to earn their first Mid-American Conference victory of the season. It is the first win for the Bulls over the Cardinals since they swept the season series in 2014.

Ball State struck first in the eighth minute when Tatiana Mason knocked a ball free in a scrum and fired a shot into the top right corner of the net to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead.

The Bulls would answer in the 22^nd minute as Alya Ruken dribbled up the right hand side of the field and slid a pass to Katherine Camper who then found Arianna Zumpano and she drilled a shot into the bottom right corner of the net to tie the game at one.

Buffalo would continue to attack in the 29^th minute as Camper and Kaya Schultz had two great looks but Alex DeRuvo made a pair of great saves. Later in the 37^th minute Payton Robertson broke free and ripped a shot in stride but it sailed just wide left and then two minutes later off a corner kick, Abbey Callaghan played a great ball into the box and Taylor Caridi ripped a shot from point blank range but DeRuvo was there for another save and the game would remain tied at the half.

The Bulls outshot the Cardinals 11-1 in the first half, including a 6-1 edge in shots on goal, while also maintaining a 6-1 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

Buffalo would stay aggressive to start the half as Zumpano drilled a shot on net but DeRuvo made a great save. Ball State found some momentum in the 55^th minute as Mason played a great ball on net but Emily Kelly made a leaping save to knock the ball out of play.

The Bulls capitalized on a set piece in the 64^th minute as Abbey Callaghan took the free kick and found Camper who then slid a ball to Ruken on the right wing and she played a perfect ball into the box right to the head of Taylor Caridi who knocked it far post to give UB a 2-1 lead and that would prove to be the game-winner.

On the game, Buffalo out shot Ball State 18-6 and also had a 9-3 edge in corner kicks. Camper led the Bulls with five shots, followed by Zumpano who recorded four shots, including three on goal. Kelly picked up the win, making two saves on the night while DeRuvo made eight saves for Ball State. Robertson was named Player of the Game by the UB coaches for her fantastic efforts in the win.

"We had a slow start and found ourselves down a goal early but maybe that was the wake-up call that we needed because after that we put together the best performances we've had in a long time," said head coach Shawn Burke. "We did it collectively as a group. So many players stepped up in different roles and it all clicked. That was probably the most fun I've had watching a soccer game.

Buffalo returns to action on Sunday, October 3 as they travel to Oxford, OH for a clash with the Miami RedHawks, who are a perfect 3-0 in league play.