Despite the rainy weather conditions, the Illinois State womens soccer team came out ready to play today as they defeated Ball State, 1-0. Michelle Brumbaugh assisted Joyce Kleinheinz on a goal in the second half to lead the Birds to a win in the final game of the regular season.
The Birds wrapped up regular season with a 10-5-3 overall record and 3-2-2 in the Missouri Valley. Ball State dropped to 10-3-6 and 5-2-5 in the Mid-American Conference. This is the third time the Birds have faced Ball State defeating them each time.
It was an exciting game, said Kleinheinz. We had great team passing and Michelle had a beautiful cross to assist on the goal. Its always great win at home.
The game went scoreless until 55:03 when Burmbaugh crossed the ball to Kleinheinz on the right side of the goal. Kleinheinz was in position to head the ball into the net, giving the Birds the 1-0 lead. Brumbaugh recorded her sixth assist of the season, which puts her in the Redbird record books in a tie for assists in a season. Former Redbirds Tiffany DeClark (2000), Kelly Mahan (1999), and Dana Schulte (1999) each recorded six assists in a season in their career as Redbirds.
In the first half of play, Illinois State took five shots to Ball States two. However, in the second half the game was more evenly matched with both teams taking four shots apiece.
Head coach Pete Kowall was pleased with his team and the effort they gave on the field.
We came out really aggressive today and ready to play, said Kowall. We played well offensively and defensively. I think were starting to peak at the right time and playing more consistent. Today was a good step for the road ahead in conference play.
With final games of the conference regular season wrapping up this evening, Drake, Creighton and Indiana State have all secured the top three seeds for post season play. The 7 p.m. match-up tonight between SMS and Drury will determine the final three seeds.
In all matches played at Adelaide Street Field this season, the Birds recorded only two ties and no losses. Illinois State improved their home record to 6-0-2 with the win over Ball State.
