Men's Soccer Wins League Opener at Valparaiso, 2-1

Sunday, September 28

Valparaiso, IN

2:00 PM

Wright State University

2-7, 1-0HL

Valparaiso

4-4-2, 0-1-1HL

Wright State

Valparaiso

9/28/2008 12:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: WSU Athletic Media Relations

A pair of juniors helped lead the Wright State men's soccer team to a victory in their Horizon League opener at Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon. Braden Fleak pened the scoring and Adam Harp netted the match winning with under 10 minutes remaining.

The two teams played a scoreless first half with WSU holding a slight edge in shots (7-6) and the Raiders took five corner kicks in the first 45 minutes. Wright State's sophomore goalkeeper Matt Koewler made three saves in the opening half.

The second half was started with three shots by Valparaiso, but the Raiders would connect with the opening goal at the 63:30 mark. Fleak netted his fourth marker of the season off of a throw in from the right side of the field. Fleak connected on a shot from eight yards outs, with assists credited to Josh Zimmerlin and Michael Conley, both Beavercreek graduates.

Valparaiso (4-4-2, 0-1-1 HL) tied the contest in the 78th minute when Rodolfo Lucas netted his first marker of the season on a free kick from 30 yards out.

The local appeal continued in the 84th minute when Harp, another Beavercreek product, connected on the match winning goal. After a pair of shots were turned away by the VU defense, sophomore Jordan Haggit sent a crossing pass from the left flank and Harp headed home his second match winning goal of the season.

The Crusaders held a 17-13 advantage in shots, with Wright State taking six corner kicks in the match to four for Valparaiso. In net, Koewler made seven saves to help the Raiders keep their unblemished record against Valparaiso (7-0 all time).

The Green and Gold improve to 2-7 overall and are 1-0 in Horizon League play after the opening weekend. Wright State will return home for their next match against Loyola on Friday, October 3 for the Homecoming match at Alumni Field. The match with the Ramblers will start at 7:00.