NOTRE DAME, Ind. — A pair of second-half goals less than four minutes apart and an outstanding performance in goal from Sydney Miller propelled the IU Kokomo women's soccer team to a 2-1 comeback victory over Holy Cross on Saturday at Holy Cross.
After falling behind in the 62nd minute, the Cougars wasted little time responding, scoring twice in a span of 3:26 to turn a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 advantage. Madison Balf assisted on both goals, while Cloey Thomas netted the eventual game-winner.
Miller anchored the IU Kokomo defense with 18 saves as the Cougars withstood a Holy Cross attack that generated 29 shots. IU Kokomo made the most of its three opportunities, putting all three shots on goal and converting two of them.
First Half
- Holy Cross applied pressure early, earning a corner kick in the opening minute before Miller made her first save at 1:31 to keep the match scoreless.
- The visitors continued to threaten throughout the opening 20 minutes, but Madison Walczak came up with a crucial play, and Miller made three additional stops along with a Holy Cross attempt that struck the post.
- Miller remained busy as the half progressed, making another save in the 21st minute before turning away four more attempts over the final 17 minutes to send the Cougars into halftime locked in a scoreless tie.
Second Half
- Miller continued her strong performance after the break, recording four more saves before Holy Cross finally broke through in the 62nd minute. Miriam Iturriaga-Sanchez found the back of the net at 61:06 to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
- IU Kokomo needed just 53 seconds to respond. Gia Tumber found the back of the net off an assist from Madison Balf at 61:59, leveling the match at 1-1.
- The Cougars completed the comeback less than four minutes later when Cloey Thomas scored off another assist from Balf at 65:25. The goal marked Thomas' first game-winner of the season, while Balf recorded the first two assists of her IU Kokomo career.
- Holy Cross continued to press for an equalizer, generating six shots and three corner kicks after falling behind. Miller made five more saves down the stretch as the Cougars held firm to secure the 2-1 victory.
Cougars Top Performers
IU Kokomo is back in action this coming Saturday at Governors State, before returning to Kokomo Municipal Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 1, when the Cougars host IU East at 7 p.m.
For the latest news, updates and information on IU Kokomo Athletics, visit IUKCougars.com and follow @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.
