CHICAGO, Ill. - It took more than 90 minutes to find a winner, but in the end the Illinois State soccer team prevailed over Loyola 2-1 in overtime Saturday in Chicago. Dagny Olson took a through ball from Rachel Tejada and slipped a shot through to the left side of the net. The goal kept ISU undefeated in Missouri Valley Conference play and capped an exciting day in Redbirds sports.
Kelli Zickert was inserted into the starting lineup at right forward after her game-winner last weekend against Evansville. In the 20th minute she was the recipient of a Tejada assist and gave ISU a 1-0 lead. Hannah Leinert was also credited with an assist on the play. The goal was Zickert's third of the season and the one goal lead would hold for the remainder of the half.
Loyola picked up the pressure near the end of the first half and seized momentum, however they could not find the breakthrough. That changed ten minutes into the second half as Kara Ruffalo emerged from a scrum in the middle of the box to score the equalizer. The ensuing 35 minutes were back-and-forth and filled with drama. Both teams had chances, but the goalkeeping from Monica Gonyo and Aryn Newsom was up to the task.
With 24 minutes to play, things looked like they would tip in the Redbirds' favor. After a handball in the box, ISU received a penalty kick. Olson stepped up to take it and was denied by Gonyo.
In overtime, Olson would redeem herself. Just four and half minutes in, Tejada found herself with the ball on the right side of the field. She saw Olson streaking up the middle of the field and delivered a perfect through ball that met Olson in stride. Gonyo came out to challenge and Olson slipped the ball past her for the Redbird winner.
The goal gave ISU the win and pushed its record to 9-5 overall and 3-0 in the MVC. Loyola falls to 1-1-1 in the conference. The Redbird offense was strong again, outshooting Loyola 19-7. ISU held an advantage in corner kicks 6-1 and had ten shots on goal.
The Redbirds now return home for a pair of games against conference foes. Wednesday ISU hosts Northern Iowa at 3 p.m. and then next Saturday they will host Indiana State for Senior Day and Heidecke Day.
A live audio and video broadcast will be available for both mathces on GoRedbirds.com.
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