MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Sophomore Mel Routledge scored her first goal of the season in the first ten minutes of play Sunday afternoon at Central Michigan, but the Redbirds were unable to hold on to the lead as they lost, 2-1, in overtime at the CMU Soccer Complex in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
In the Redbirds' first four games of 2006, three have gone into overtime. The `Birds dropped their second straight road game, falling to 1-2-1 on the season. The Chippewas won their third straight match at home and improved to 4-0.
The first half began with the `Birds in control, as Routledge connected with the back of the net on a shot from just outside of the box at 10:26 with Carrie Schurr credited with the assist. However, the Chippewas notched the score at 23:57 when midfielder Sarah Burns sent a long ball over the top and teammate Amanda Waugh's one touch shot beat Redbird goalkeeper Andrea Shaw. The Illinois State goalkeeper finished the day with five saves. The Chippewas and Redbirds remained tied, 1-1, at halftime.
Head coach Pete Kowall was pleased with the goal from Routledge, who led the Redbirds in points last season.
"Mel had a good goal," said Kowall. "She has been working hard. It was good to see her get the first one of the season and hopefully she can continue to improve."
The Redbirds out shot the Chippewas, 9-6, in the second half, but neither team was able to score before the end of regulation. Central Michigan's Kylie Armstrong ended the deadlock in the second minute of overtime on a rebound shot into the lower right corner past the Redbirds' keeper. Routledge and freshman Ammanda Wisniewski led the Redbirds with five shots each. Illinois State also held a 5-4 advantage on corner kicks.
Kowall felt the `Birds played well enough to win, but were unable to finish on scoring opportunities.
"We had several scoring chances today," said Kowall. "We just didn't finish those goals. We outplayed them, but they were a very good team. There were times during the game where we would gain the momentum back but just couldn't capitalize."
The Redbirds resume action on Friday, Sept. 8th, as the `Birds host Oakland at 4 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field.
