Indiana’s Late Rally Falls Short in 3-2 Loss at Xavier

CINCINNATI — Indiana University mounted a furious second-half comeback, but the Hoosiers ran out of time as Xavier held on for a 3-2 victory in women’s soccer action in Cincinnati.

The loss was Indiana’s first of the season, dropping the Hoosiers to 2-1-1 after an unbeaten start through their first three matches.

Xavier wasted little time taking control of the match.

Peyton Kohls opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a loose ball to give the Musketeers an early 1-0 advantage.

Just 10 minutes later, Xavier struck again. Brooklyn O’Brien found the back of the net in the 16th minute off an assist from Maria Tapia, doubling the Musketeers’ lead to 2-0.

That advantage held through halftime.

Xavier added a third goal in the 55th minute. Sarah Parker headed home a cross from Kohls, giving Kohls a goal and an assist on the night and putting the Musketeers in command, 3-0.

Indiana, however, refused to go quietly.

Maggie Ledwith got the Hoosiers on the board during the second half, finishing a chance created by Amaya Falzarano to cut the deficit to 3-1.

The Hoosiers continued to push forward and finally struck again in the closing seconds.

With just 25 seconds remaining, Kennedy Neighbors scored at the 89:35 mark to pull Indiana within a goal at 3-2.

The dramatic late goal left Indiana with virtually no time to find an equalizer, and Xavier was able to run out the remaining seconds to secure the victory.

Scoring Summary

Xavier

• 6’ — Peyton Kohls
• 16’ — Brooklyn O’Brien (Maria Tapia)
• 55’ — Sarah Parker (Peyton Kohls)

Indiana

• Second half — Maggie Ledwith (Amaya Falzarano)
• 89:35 — Kennedy Neighbors

Final: Xavier 3, Indiana 2