The Illinois State womens soccer team (9-1, 3-0) defeated Southwest Missouri State, 3-2, to remain undefeated in Valley action, Sunday, October 6 at Adelaide Street Field.
The score was 1-0 after the first half with an SMS goal by freshman Tracy Allen.
Head coach Pete Kowall talked with his team at the half and the Redbirds came out in the second half with a vengeance.
At the half we talked about needing a better surge on goals, said Kowall. We knew we could have played better and we did that in the second half.
Junior Katie Long scored the first goal for the Redbirds at the 48:39 mark, her third goal of the season.
Our first goal changed the momentum of the game for us, said Kowall. Katies goal was a great collegiate goal for herself and for the team.
Senior Annie Wayland scored the second Redbird goal off a penalty kick, after SMS goalkeeper, Alexis Stormo received a yellow card. This was Waylands sixth season goal and 56th career goal.
The Redbirds continued their offensive attack as junior Diana Puckett scored her third goal of the season at the 75:59 mark. This put the Redbirds up 3-1.
SMSs Lisa Martel answered Pucketts goal with a goal at the 77:19 mark off an assist from Katie DeCarlo. However, the Redbirds were able to hold out for the remaining minutes and record the 3-2 victory over the Bears.
Now that the Illinois State is 3-0 in Valley play and are getting ready for five games on the road, the Redbirds are preparing for next weeks action against Creighton and Drake.
Giving up the ball in goal was disapointing, said Kowall. We just cant do that next week or the week after. We know what we have to work on in preparation for more Valley action.
The Redbirds will face Creighton on October 11 in Omaha, Neb., and then head to Des Moines, Iowa to take on Drake on October 13.
