NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's soccer team (1-2-1) defeated Big Ten foe Illinois (1-3-0), 2-0, Sunday night at Adelaide Street Field. This marks the first time since 2004 the Redbirds have beaten the Fighting Illini.
" Full credit to the team, they earned it," said head coach Brad Silvey. "They earned every ounce of that win. Tonight, all the pistons were firing. Everyone stepped up, everyone played the way they needed to play. The game plan was executed perfectly. This is a result of the team executing, believing, and performing to the best of their ability."
The Redbirds put on the pressure early, getting a shot off within the first minute of the game and two more before the five-minute mark. ISU continued to fire on offense, with their efforts coming together in the 44th minute. After several shots by freshman Jessica Denney and Sarah Lafayette in the final minute of the half, Lafayette was able to find the back of the net from inside the six. The Redbirds took the lead, 1-0, heading into the half, outshooting Illinois 16-4.
The second half was underway with the rain coming down as the Redbirds continued their offensive efforts. Senior Emily Dickman tallied back-to-back shots off the crossbar within the first three minutes of the half. In the 75th minute, senior Hannah Rodgers positioned a perfect through-ball to the top of the 18 for fellow senior Kelli Zickert to beat the defender and go one-on-one with the Illini keeper. After her first shot was blocked by the keeper, Zickert was able to get a foot on her rebound and hit the back of the net. The Redbirds took the lead, 2-0, and continued their offensive dominance, finishing the game with 29 shots to Illinois' 12.
Lafayette led the Redbirds with one goal and six shots, followed by Dickman and Angel Krell with five each, Zickert had one goal and four shots and junior Kiley Czerwinski tallied four shots.
The Redbirds are back in action Friday, September 1 when they travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to face Duquesne on Friday and Pitt on Sunday. This will be the first time playing either team in program history. ISU kicks off against Duquesne at 6 p.m. on Friday and Pitt at 12 p.m. on Sunday, September 3. Fans unable to go the distance can follow along on Twitter, @Redbird_Soccer, for in-game updates and more!
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