The cardiac kids are back on the road again, this time heading to Indiana to take on the Valparaiso University Crusaders. 

Colorado State soccer is off to its best start in program history (4-1-1) and is fresh off an overtime win against the University of Denver. Caeley Lordemann scored the game-winner for her fifth goal of the season, tying with her career high in goals. The senior captain is already the all-time leader in goals for the Rams, and the team is undefeated this season when Lordemann finds the back of the net.

If we can keep that going, we’ll take it. when you have a player like that it is important to keep her going and keep her in the game.” – Coach Bill Hempen 

Last Friday’s overtime win was the third overtime game in a row for the Rams. Earlier in the month, the Rams lost or allowed a tying goal in the final 10 seconds of regulation in back to back games against Gonzaga and Eastern Washington, but they have come away with consecutive overtime wins in the past two weeks.

The late-game woes appear to be past them, but the team has played a lot of ball over the last couple of weeks. Even with three straight overtime games, CSU has yet to play back to back games thus far.

“Fatigue shouldn’t be an issue,” Coach Bill Hempen said. “We have had a lot of time in between the games.”

One player that should be fresh and ready to go is junior forward Taylor Steinke, who missed the start of the season recovering from a torn MCL. Steinke recovered two weeks quicker than anticipated and provided a huge boost for this Rams team. Steinke made her season debut last Friday against the Pioneers, and in her first game, she recorded the game-winning assist in overtime.

“Taylor (Steinke) has really been working on doing the right thing,” Hempen said. “She has been really patient with the docs and trainers.”

Goalkeeper Gabi McDonald has also been on a tear. Against DU, the senior goalie recorded eight saves on 15 shot attempts and recorded a shutout for the second straight week. The league office announced that McDonald was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week.

📝McDonald Named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Weekhttps://t.co/dk7JXbmyfy#ProudToBe | #CSURams pic.twitter.com/HvdwUsLb9v

— Colorado State Soccer (@CSUFutbol) September 16, 2019

With only two more games before conference play, the Rams cannot afford to lose focus.

“Our goal has been to focus on getting to conference play,” Hempen said. “So we are conscious of our game and not our opponent’s game.”

The Crusaders have struggled thus far, with a record of 0-7-1 and only three total goals this year. The Rams are strong favorites even on the road, but as Hempen knows, the team still has to perform.

“Any time you go on the road you have to match the intensity of the opponent,” Hempen said.

The game will get underway at 6 p.m. and can be streamed through ESPN.com or with ESPN+. 

Bailey Bassett can be reached at sports@collegian.com or on twitter @baileybassett_.