Screaming Eagles Win in Dramatic Fashion Over Cleveland State

The University of Southern Indiana women’s soccer team broke through in dramatic fashion Thursday night, as freshman Lilah Katz scored in the closing minutes to lift the Screaming Eagles to a 1-0 road victory over Cleveland State.

The victory was USI’s first of the 2026 season, improving the Screaming Eagles to 1-5-2 while snapping a three-match losing streak.

USI controlled much of the attacking play but could not find a breakthrough until less than two minutes remained. The Screaming Eagles earned a corner kick, and after the ball bounced through traffic and took multiple deflections inside the box, Katz finished the opportunity for her first collegiate goal and the game-winner.

Katz became the third different Screaming Eagle to score this season and the second USI freshman to record her first career goal this week, joining Liza Anderson.

Southern Indiana’s attack produced one of its strongest performances of the season. The Screaming Eagles outshot Cleveland State 25-6 and put 10 attempts on goal compared with four for the Vikings. The 25 shots were USI’s highest total since recording 27 against Western Illinois late last season.

Anderson and senior Eva Boer led USI with five shots apiece, with Anderson putting four attempts on target. Kamryn Bea added three shots, including two on goal.

While USI continued searching for the breakthrough offensively, goalkeeper Merrick Schwalbach and the Screaming Eagles’ defense kept Cleveland State off the scoreboard. Schwalbach stopped all four shots she faced to record her third clean sheet of the season.

USI pressured the Vikings from the opening minutes, forcing three saves during the first 10 minutes. The Screaming Eagles continued creating opportunities but went into halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

The pressure intensified during the final 20 minutes, with Anderson and Boer helping lead the attack. That persistence finally paid off in the closing moments when Katz converted off the late corner, with Boer credited with the assist.

Southern Indiana now continues its four-match road swing Sunday when the Screaming Eagles visit Valparaiso for a 1 p.m. kickoff.