Illinois State junior
Annie Wayland became the Missouri Valley Conference leader for career goals as she scored two Sunday afternoon in a 3-0 Redbird shutout against Eastern Illinois at Adelaide Street Field.
Wayland tied the two-year-old mark held by former Evansville standout Krissy Meek at the 37:46 mark in the first half on a pass from sophomore
Michelle Brumbaugh.
With the Redbirds ahead 1-0 18 minutes into the second half, a hard foul by Eastern Illinois set up a Wayland penalty kick which she sent past Panther gaolkeeper Lindsay Dechert for the record-breaking shot. Waylands two goals on the afternoon mark the third consecutive game in which she has notched two goals, boosting her season total to 12 and 46 for her career.
The final Redbird score came in the box from
Sheila Bryant, her second goal of the season as well as her career, on a quick pass from
Katie Long , stationed at the top right corner of the box.
I wasnt really thinking too much about the record, Wayland said. Its a great feeling (breaking the record). You dont really realize it until it happens and its a great feeling afterwards. Everyone was so excited for me and it made me feel really good. I couldnt have done it without my teammates. If they dont put the ball at my foot, I dont even get the opportunity.
When I recruited Annie she had a knack for scoring goals, head coach
Pete Kowall said. I think the quality of goals is what I like best. Most of the time shes composed on the ball and knows where to be and when to be there. Its nice to watch all of our players play, but it is nice to watch her score goals.
Illinois State dominated the game, holding the Panthers to five shots while firing 27 at the EIU goalkeepers. Junior
Allison Farrington picked up her first shutout between the posts for the Redbirds, picking up three saves.
The defense is playing well. They are starting to find their roles and are really playing together, Kowall said. I hope that will keep going on and the team will keep playing as well as they are playing. The win streak doesnt really mean too much to me, just that we are playing well and playing consistently like we have been.
Riding a five-game winning streak, the Redbirds (9-3-, 4-0) entertain Western Illinois Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field.
