Senior midfielder Dana Schulte scored her first two goals of the season just when her team needed them, giving the Birds a 2-0 win over Missouri Valley Conference foe Indiana State Sunday. The Birds now own a 3-0 record in the Valley.
Head coach Pete Kowall felt Schulte truly earned her two goals, but was disappointed that she had to leave the game with a knee injury later in the half.
I thought Danas goals were great, Kowall said. Shes been getting good shots and finally got two of them to go in. But then she went down, so again its one step forward and two steps back. But well get her checked out, hopefully everything will be okay and well get her back.
The teams were pretty evenly matched in the first half. Every time Illinois State would push forward, the Sycamores would counter and when the Sycamores would make a move downfield, the ISU defense would make a stop, keeping the game scoreless at halftime.
But for the second game in a row, the Birds started the second half with an intensity that their opponent couldnt match. They pushed the ball downfield and freshman Kim Conolty was able to connect with Schulte for the first goal of the game at the 47:44 mark. The goal marked Schultes first of the year and the assist was the first of Conoltys collegiate career after playing in just four games.
Schulte, a St. Charles, Mo. native, scored again at the 56:22 mark on a cross from sophomore Joyce Kleinheinz. Kleinheinz, a Libertyville native, now leads the team with two assists. Schulte tallied goals on her only two shots of the contest.
I was glad that I was able to put those balls in and help us get the win, Schulte said. I thought we played really well as a team and it feels good to get the win.
Illinois States defense got the job done on the other end, preventing the Sycamores from taking a shot in the first half and holding them to just four on the game. Senior goalkeeper Allison Farrington got the win and now leads the Valley in shutouts with six.
ISU fans remained at the field after the game for a small ceremony in memory of former Redbird soccer player, Julie K. Heidecke. Heideckes teammates and her parents were in attendance to remember her spirit and character. Kowall then presented former Redbird Melissa Colthrust with the Julie K. Heidecke Award. The award is presented every year to a recently graduated player who follows Heideckes path in commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern for others.
Next up for the 6-4-2 Redbirds is a trip to Springfield, Mo., where they will clash with Drury on Friday at 7 p.m. Then theyll face the Bears of SMS on Sunday at 1 p.m.
