Aug. 30, 2009
Box Score
LAS VEGAS -
Redbird freshman Kelly Rosenthal scored her first collegiate goals as the Illinois State women's soccer team fell to New Mexico, 6-2, Sunday to conclude the UNLV Nike Classic Tournament in Las Vegas. Rosenthal scored Illinois State's only goals for four total points.
At the 77 minute mark, Rosenthal scored on a loose ball after colliding with the Lobos' goalkeeper for her first goal. Rosenthal's second goal came nine minutes later from a header off a long cross on the right side by Alyssa Schulz.
"Kelly's performance was one bright spot on the day," said head coach Drew Roff. "The game was out of reach by then, but she kept working hard and scored a couple of nice goals. I'm happy for her because we need someone to develop into a scorer for the team. Right now, we are really struggling with finding that person."
Rosenthal's second-half goals were not enough to erase the deficit caused by New Mexico's Jennifer Williams. Williams tied New Mexico's school record for most total points in a game with eight, after delivering a hat trick and two assists.
Williams scored one goal in the first half and two goals in the second half, only two minutes apart.
Sasha Reiber served as goalie for the Redbirds in the first half, recording three saves and two goals allowed. Katie Grill-Donovan came into the game for the Redbirds in the second half, allowing four goals.
"I knew the heat would be a factor in the game today, but I didn't realize how much it would affect us," said Roff. "Once again, we got off to a slow start and our legs looked tried. We talked about as team to not give up early goals, but that is exactly what we did. New Mexico came out with a lot more energy and got two first half goals. It was very frustrating, and we need to find an established goal server on our offense. I have to give New Mexico a lot of credit. They were quick, technical and finished well. By the time we got a little momentum, the game was out of reach."
Sunday's game marked the first game between the Redbirds and the Lobos since 1997. With the win, the Lobos lead the all-time series 2-0-0 against the Redbirds. The game also marked the first time ISU has given up six goals in the game since 1997.
The Redbirds are now 0-2-1 on the season, while the Lobos remain undefeated, 3-0-0.
ISU returns home for its first regular-season home game Labor Day weekend (Sept. 6) at 2 p.m. against Northern Illinois.
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