The injury bug finally caught up with the Illinois State womens soccer team, as they lost to Butler, 1-0, at Varsity Field.
The Redbirds only had one true substitution as senior Melissa Colthrust and junior Dana Schulte did not make the trip due to injuries. Goalkeepers Allison Farrington and Cheryl Sarnwick each found time on the field and in the net for an all-around Redbird effort.
Head coach Pete Kowall was pleased with the team effort displayed by the Redbirds.
We are never happy with a loss, said Kowall. But I am very proud of them. We only had one sub, and we did play well. We tried to create opportunities that just didnt work in our favor, but we were able to hold them (Butler) to only a few good opportunities.
The Redbirds were unable to find the back of the net on eight shots, while Krista Rott of Butler scored the lone goal of the game off a corner kick at the 76:01 mark.
Their goal was just a deflection that Allison could not get to, said Kowall. Other than that she did a good job today.
The Bulldogs outshot the Redbirds 13-8, but Illinois State came away with more saves, 5-3.
The Redbirds will compete in their final home game of the season on Sunday, October 27, for a noon game against Big Ten opponent, Illinois. Illinois State will honor four of its seniors for their dedication to Redbird soccer prior to game time.
The Redbirds are now 11-3-1 overall, and have secured a second place finish in the Valley with a 5-1-1 conference record.
