Ferris State Soccer Runs Unbeaten Streak To Four-Straight With Home Shutout Victory

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's soccer team ran its unbeaten shutout streak to four consecutive contests as the Bulldogs recorded a 1-0 victory over Saginaw Valley State in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Friday (Oct. 21) at FSU's Top Taggart Field.

Ferris State notched its third win in a row as freshman goalkeeper Grace Kraft continued her impressive shutout streak, which ranks as the second-longest to date in school history. She has not allowed a goal since a 2-1 setback at Lake Erie on Oct. 7 as the Bulldogs followed that contest up with a scoreless double-overtime tie at Walsh two days later before winning three-straight league home tilts.

The Bulldogs scored the day's only goal on a deep shot from freshman back Tia VanSuilichem in the 46th minute of the second half. It came following a scoreless first period and her first collegiate goal was assisted by Rachel Fouts and Audrey Romine.

From there, the Bulldogs kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard as Kraft finished with 10 saves in 90 minutes of work. Her performance along with FSU's play on the back end was a key as SVSU held a 22-15 edge in shots for the contest. 

Ferris State generated more chances in the second half of the outing as both teams totaled 10 shots in the second half. Both VanSuilichem and Fouts totaled four shots apiece on the afternoon for the Bulldogs.

The win was Kraft's sixth of the campaign to date in net for the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, SVSU's Paola De Lanuza suffered the loss despite making nine saves in 90 minutes of action.

SVSU finished with eight fouls to six for the Bulldogs and FSU totaled two of the match's three corner kick opportunities.

The Bulldog victory avenged an earlier 3-0 setback to Saginaw Valley State in non-league play on Sept. 18 in University Center.

With the win, FSU improved to 6-6-3 overall and 4-2-3 in the GLIAC this year. FSU also improved to 6-1-1 at home this season with the triumph.

Overall, the Bulldogs are now 4-1-3 in their last eight contests to date.

The Bulldogs, who began the day fifth in the GLIAC standings, will play an important road contest on Sunday (Oct. 23) at Northwood in Midland. The contest will get underway at 12 p.m. (ET). 

FSU then returns home to host league leader Grand Valley State in its regular-season finale next Friday (Oct. 28) night under the lights starting at Top Taggart Field beginning at 6 p.m. (ET).