NORMAL, Ill. - Snapping a four-game scoring drought, Meghan Boler netted the game-winning goal for the Illinois State women's soccer team, boosting the `Birds over Indiana State, 1-0, in Missouri Valley Conference action Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field.
Picking up their first Valley win, the Redbirds improve to 4-7-3 on the year, 1-2-1 in the league. Indiana State evens its record to 7-7-0, 2-2-0 in the MVC.
"We told the girls that we were 0-0, so to speak," said head coach Pete Kowall, whose team picked up their first win since Sept. 16. "We talked about forgetting about the past to some degree and winning the last four games of the season. The team knew we would need to jump on Indiana State early. We tried to put pressure on them right away and make it difficult for them to score."
In the 16th minute, Carrie Schurr dribbled down the right sideline and sent a cross from outside the box. The pass skipped past an Indiana State defender and found Boler in front of the net. Boler quickly one-touched a shot past the diving Sycamore goalkeeper Rachel Rudzis, putting the `Birds up 1-0. The goal was the first for Boler in her senior campaign, as she now has seven total points on the year. Schurr was credited with the assist, her second of the season.
There were several opportunities for the `Birds to increase their lead, as 10 ISU players were all credited with shots. Freshman Ammanda Wisniewski led with six, while Danielle Mutters and Bethany Russ each added three. Three Illinois State shots appeared to be heading for the back of the net but hit off the crossbar to spoil ISU's chances.
Late in the second half, Mel Routledge fired a shot from 10 yards out, but her shot hit off the crossbar and bounced back in front of the goal. Mutters fielded the ball and headed another shot that also deflected off the crossbar back into play. Wisniewski then headed a third shot that hit off an Indiana State defender and the ball was quickly cleared to the center circle.
"I thought their goalkeeper made three unbelievable saves that probably should have been goals," said Kowall. "We had a few balls hit off the posts, so we had several opportunities to score. We need to be sure to finish the chances we take."
The Redbirds held Indiana State to just eight shots in the game, while taking 21 of their own. ISU also led in corner kicks with a 7-1 advantage.
Senior goalie Andrea Shaw made her first start in goal in six games, after sitting out with broken bones in her foot. Shaw played all 90 minutes in goal, tabbing three saves and earning the decision.
"We played really well today, especially defensively," continued Kowall. "Shannon (Durocher), Shannon (Duggan), and Andrea (Shaw) all three played the entire game. I thought Sheila (Sarsfield), Kanisha (Campbell) and Jackie (Roepke) all stepped up and did a great job in the back. The defense worked hard to keep them in front and shut down their scoring.
Illinois State will return to action on Fri., Oct. 20, hosting North Dakota State at 2:30 p.m. before playing the final regular-season conference game against Missouri State on Sun., Oct. 22. The Bears will also visit Adelaide Street Field for the 12 p.m. matchup.
