May 26, 2001

Indiana struggles for offense against Chicago Cobras

Chicago Cobras 2 Indiana Blaze 0

Scoring
CHI-Topscott (unassisted) 70'
CHI-Feulner (unassisted) 90'

Other Stats
Shots: Chicago 11, Indiana 8
Saves: Chicago 7, Indiana 8
Fouls: Chicago 8, Indiana 8
Offsides: Chicago 2, Indiana 4
Corner kicks: Chicago 2, Indiana 6

Indiana Blaze kicked off their match against Chicago just after 8:30pm Friday night on a very cold and wet field at Kuntz Stadium. The Blaze came into this game looking to avenge an earlier 1-0 loss in the season to Chicago.

Early in the game it was apparent both teams were looking to get a quick score and take the early lead. "We got everything accomplished
that we wanted early on," said Head Coach Marc Behringer. "We had plenty of good opportunities, but were just unlucky tonight." The two
teams went at each other all out, but neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half. Heather Combs held down the fort for the Blaze with some great saves to keep Chicago scoreless. Both teams went to their locker rooms in the same position they were forty-five minutes before, 0-0 and looking for some offense.

The second half continued with the shots being fired from both ends of the field, keeping both defenses on their toes. "I think we played
well tonight," said Blaze goalkeeper Heather Combs. "We're struggling to get the ball in the net, but that will come eventually."

Indiana was unable to sustain the attacking mode they had early on in the first half, as Chicago began to apply some pressure. The Cobras
were able to end the scoreless night and take a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 70th minute. From that point on, the Blaze were unable to get
past the stiff Chicago defense. Chicago then put the finishing touches on the night with another late goal in stoppage time to make the final 2-0.

"We had to change some things around when Kelly Kulsrut went down with her injury early in the game," said Behringer. "Our defense was
stretched before the injury, but after that I had players playing way out of position. The score doesn't really show it, but we took a huge
step forward tonight."

Scoring
CHI-Topscott (unassisted) 70'
CHI-Feulner (unassisted) 90'

Other stats

Shots: Chicago 11, Indiana 8
Saves: Chicago 7, Indiana 8
Fouls: Chicago 8, Indiana 8
Offsides: Chicago 2, Indiana 4
Corner kicks: Chicago 2, Indiana 6