Sophomore Megan Boler really put the pressure on No. 10 Illinois today as she scored the lone goal in the game in the 28th minute of play for the Illinois State womens soccer team. Boler and the Birds never looked back as they defeated the Illini, 1-0. This win marks the first time that the Illinois State womens soccer team has beat a nationally ranked opponent.
The Birds, 5-3-0, came out aggressive in the first half and put the hammer down as they took six shots to Illinois four in the first half. Boler was able to break away and score on goal assisted by Jaclyn Rucinsky and Lauren Kahlenbeck. Bolers goal against Illinois marks her second of the season.
Today we really moved the ball around in the first half and Illinois didnt expect us to do that, said head coach Pete Kowall. The shots we took in the beginning of the game really gave us a lot of confidence and we continued to play well throughout the rest of the game.
The Birds defense was able to keep the Illini, 7-2-0, from scoring as they came close on two corner kicks by senior all-American Tara Hurless in the second half. Goal keeper Andrea Shaw held onto the win for the Birds recording three saves on the day, keeping the Illini scoreless. The win over Illinois marks the first shut out for the Birds this season. Shaw has recorded 720:00 minutes in goal, playing in all eight games.
I was very pleased with our defense today, everyone played really well, especially Andrea in goal, said Kowall. Everyone who was out on the field today gave it all their heart.
So far this season, the Illini had shut out five opponents those including Southeast Missouri State, Evansville, Wright State and Kansas. No. 25 Michigan was the only team this season to shut out the Illini until todays match-up. Illinois has outscored their opponents 17-3 in their last eight games.
The Birds will look to keep their two game winning streak alive as they take on Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Adelaide Street Field at noon on Sunday. After the game Sunday, a tribute will be held in honor of former Redbird Julie Heidecke who died in an automobile accident in 1998. The Heidecke Award, which is presented annually, will be awarded after the game to a player who follows Heideckes path in commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern for others.
