Senior Kelly Mahan scored two goals in the second half while sophomore Tiffany DeClark set the school mark for assists in a game with three as the Illinois State soccer team shutout Northern Illinois, 5-0, in the season-opener Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field.
The Redbirds wasted no time in scoring the first goal of the season. Just two minutes and 15 seconds into the first half, senior Angie Roth connected on a feed from DeClark as the Birds jumped to a 1-0 on the only goal of the half.
The Redbird defense, one that allowed an average of nine shots per game last season, did not let the Huskies close to the net, allowing no shots in the first half and only letting NIU (0-1-1) have three attempts the entire game.
They were a little banged up from Friday nights game, Redbird coach Pete Kowall said. One of their top players, Katie Klaas got injured and that hurt them. A lot of our players have really stepped up to the plate, but we need to be more physical and not get out-fouled.
In the second half, ISU scored early and often.
St. Peters, Mo. native Annie Wayland tallied her first goal of the year on a penalty kick at the 51:59 mark. Two minutes later, Mahan knocked in her first goal of the afternoon on DeClarks second assist.
DeClark dished out her third assist on a Ty Winkelhake goal at 63:16 as the Redbirds extended their lead to 4-0. The offense was still not done as Kelly Mahan picked up goalkeeper Allison Farringtons punt and drove it by Huskie keeper Akiko Iwabuchi with seven and a half minutes to go.
Collectively we all executed well today, Mahan said. We had great transition and worked well with each other all game.
Junior transfers Lynley Hilligoss and Allison Farrington are credited with the shared shutout. Hilligoss did not see any shots from Northern Illinois while Farrington had two saves in the second half.
The Redbirds (1-0) return to action Friday at 4 p.m. when they host Butler at Adelaide Street Field.
