Oct. 27, 2005
Box Score
CHARLESTON, Ill. -
Illinois State sophomore Yvonne Northover scored the women's soccer team's lone goal of the afternoon in Charleston, Ill., downing the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 1-0 in the Redbirds' final regular-season matchup of the season.
Illinois State improves to 8-6-3 on the year, as the team anxiously awaits Sunday's State Farm MVC tournament play-in game against Indiana State at noon.
The Redbirds and the Panthers each played stingy defense in the first period, as the squads sent the game into the half still scoreless. Illinois State limited Eastern Illinois to just two shots, but only took four of their own in the first half. Junior goalkeeper Andrea Shaw played in the net for the `Birds in the first period, recording one save in 45 minutes.
The teams continued the defensive battle in the second half as the clock ticked closer to the end of regulation. At the 84:07 mark, however, Northover landed a shot in the back of the net being defended by Eastern's keeper Tiffany Groene. Northover's goal was assisted by senior Heather Forsyth and was shot from left plank, beating Groene to the right of the goal.
Illinois State head coach Pete Kowall was impressed with the late goal by Northover.
"Yvonne's goal was great for us, especially so late in the game," said Kowall. "Heather gave her a nice pass and Yvonne was able to finish the opportunity. We really didn't create a lot of good scoring opportunities this afternoon. But we were able to come away the win, so that is a good step towards Sunday. It was another shutout which is always good, and we were able to get some people some playing time, which is always a plus."
This was Northover's fourth goal on the season and Forysth's first assist. Northover took a team-high three shots for ISU, all were on goal. The single goal of the game secured the win for the Redbirds, launching them into the first round of State Farm MVC Tournament on a two-game winning streak.
Sophomore goalie Erica Goethel played the entire second period in goal for Illinois State, recording four saves and the win for the `Birds.
The Redbirds only notched nine shots on the day, while holding Eastern Illinois to eight.
Illinois State returns to the field on Sunday hosting Indiana State in the MVC play-in game. The conference duel is scheduled for noon at Adelaide Street Field, with the winner advancing to the State Farm MVC Tournament finals in Omaha, Neb.
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