In a tune-up for Friday nights dual with Indiana, the Illinois State womens soccer team defeated Campton United, 3-1, Tuesday evening at Adelaide Street Field.
The Birds jumped out in front on a 35-yard goal by senior defender Angie Roth with 37:22 remaining in the first half.
Campton United, an all-star high school team and winners of last years state cup, tied the game at one almost immediately after halftime. Deborah Benakis set up Juliane Sitch for the goal from the right wing at the 43:36 mark.
Ten minutes later the Redbirds responded with an Annie Wayland goal from the top of the box after a Kelly Mahan feed at 33:19.
Adding some insurance later in the half, a missed shot off the pole by Chrystal Johnston was tracked down and knocked in by Tiffany DeClark with 22:51 left in the game.
Redbird coach Pete Kowall was pleased with the way his team adjusted in its first action against another team.
We adjusted well when things went poorly, Kowall said. The goals we scored were what we were looking for. We had early chances and when you get that, you feel confident. The Campton team has lots of Division I quality players.
Campton coach Mike Nesci was pleased overall with the results of the matchup.
This was our first game in a flat-back four offense, Nesci said. The mistakes we made were all correctable. We arent so much worried about the result, were more worried about getting used to the new system.
Illinois State travels to Fort Wayne, Ind. Friday for a 5:30 p.m. contest against Indiana in the IPFW 2001 Soccer Showcase.
