Ball State's soccer squad edged Cincinnati 1-0 on Sunday at the Briner Sports Complex, improving the Cardinals' home record to 2-0 and notching their first-ever series win over the Bearcats, a rivalry that began in 2021.
A Milestone Win for the Cardinals
The decisive strike came from freshman forward Annika Klauss, who found the net in the 49th minute to claim her opening goal of the season and break the deadlock.
Veteran midfielder Mary Jane Keller contributed her first collegiate assist, setting up Klauss's shot, while senior goalkeeper Kate Pallante preserved the lead with three saves and a clean sheet against ten Cincinnati attempts.
Despite out‑shooting the Cardinals 10‑3 and earning six corner kicks, Cincinnati was hampered by ten fouls, a statistic that underscored Ball State's disciplined defensive approach.
The Cardinals will next host Eastern Illinois on September 6, a contest that will also feature a pregame Senior Day ceremony honoring the team's graduating players.