Sept. 16, 2005
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -
Tabbing just four shots in 90 minutes did not give Illinois State much opportunity to score as the Redbirds fell to Illinois, 3-0 Friday night at the Illinois Soccer Stadium.
Illinois took the early lead on a goal in the 19th minute. Illini defender Emily Zurrer scored on a four-yard shot near the left post, with the assist going to both Eva Strickland and Jessica Bayne.
Just 44 seconds later, with 24:48 left in the first period, Illinois' Ella Masar netted her first goal of the season, a header from three yards out, putting the Illini up 2-0. Masar's goal was assisted by Christen Karniski and Zehr.
Illinois' third and final goal of the game was scored in the second period (82:18). Karniski found the goal on a drive down the middle of the field, dribbling the ball to the back of the net from eight yards out.
All Illinois goals were scored on Illinois State goalkeeper Erica Goethel. She tallied the loss for the `Birds, while Illinois keeper Lindsey Carstens recorded the Illini victory.
Two of Illinois State's shots came in the first period, as the Redbirds totaled four on the night. None of those shots were on goal, compared to 12 on goal for Illinois. Joyce Kleinheinz notched two of those Redbird shots, with Jaclyn Rucinsky and Meghan Boler adding one apiece. Illinois State had been averaging 13.8 shots per game, coming into Friday.
Dominating the game's tempo from the opening kick, Illinois led the Redbirds in shots 26-4, 14-2 at the half. Seven of Illinois' first-half shots were on goal, two of which were goals. Corner kicks were also in favor of the Illini, 6-1.
Illinois State head coach Pete Kowall was surprised by the lack of intensity his team showed in the first half.
"I think if we would have come out in the beginning like we did in the second half, the score might have been a bit different," said Kowall. "I was surprised that we didn't come out with more fire. Illinois is a very good team, one of the best in the country. They played very well tonight and deserved to come away with the win.
"We just have to come out stronger on Sunday and hopefully the lesson we learned tonight will carry over to that game."
Illinois improves to 4-1-2 with tonight's win, while Illinois State falls to 3-2-1.
The Redbirds continue their play on the road as Illinois State travels to Northern Illinois Sunday for a 4 p.m. matchup with the Huskies.
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