Aug. 26, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Meghan Boler's penalty kick 22 minutes into the second half ended the game's scoring as Illinois State's season opener against Central Michigan finished in a 1-1 tie, after two, scoreless 10-minute overtime periods Friday at Adelaide Street Field.
Boler took the penalty kick at the 22: 45 mark after being taken down in the box by Central Michigan's goalie, Anne Decker. This goal was Boler's first of the regular season, though she scored one goal in a pre-season scrimmage against the Fox Valley Strikers.
The Chippewas were the first team to score early in the second period. After slow first period action, Central Michigan forward Erica Rohren had a quick goal (3:35) in the second half, on an assist from Alison Heydorn. Rohren and Heydorn both had three shots on the afternoon.
Rosamaria Rago and Jacquie Lacek, however, led the visitors in shots, with four apiece. Three of each player's four shots were on goal.
Illinois State freshman Mel Routledge led the `Birds in shots with five, four of which were on goal. Boler was close behind with four, three being on goal for the Redbirds.
The opposing teams were close in categories other than score Friday afternoon. Decker recorded 10 saves on the day, while Illinois State goalie Erica Goethel had 12. Additionally, Central Michigan notched 18 shots, compared to ISU's 19. Corner kick totals were also similar with the Chippewas tallying six, and Illinois State seven.
Illinois State had coach Pete Kowall had mixed feelings on today's tie.
"I think that even though we tied, at least to me, it feels like a loss," said Kowall. "In the second half, we played well enough to win the game and we had some great chances to score and we just didn't. That, of course, is disappointing. We've got some new players out there and it is still too early to tell how good we are. But I'm very proud of my team and how they came back and how they were able to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
Illinois State hosts the second game of the regular season, Sunday against UW-Green Bay. The game will be played at Adelaide Street Field and is scheduled to begin at noon.
Kowall believes in the competitive nature of the upcoming game.
"Sunday will be a physical, aggressive game for both teams," said Kowall. "I think it will be the same type of game...close and tight in every category. It will be another good game for the home fans to see."
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