SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In an exhibition match with both teams missing multiple key players, the Illinois State soccer team fell behind 1-0 at halftime before relenting three goals in the second half, and ISU dropped its exhibition-opener to No. 16 Notre Dame, 4-0, Monday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
Chances were few and far between in the first 45 minutes for ISU, as the Redbirds fired just one shot, a Rachel Tejada chip that went high over the net. Anna Maria Gilbertson netted the lone first-half goal for the Irish off of a penalty kick after a foul in the box.
In the second half, ISU's offense generated a few more quality attacks, getting off five shots. Emily Dickman had the best opportunity late in the match off of a feed from fellow freshman, Kelly Miller. Aryn Newsom played all 90 minutes in the net and made 11 saves. When the regular season begins, Newsom will need 114 saves to break the program's all-time record held by Becky Feldman.
Tejada led the team in shots with three, and one was on goal. Dickman's shot was the only other shot on goal for ISU. Lauren Koehl and Ali Farkos also had a shot for the Redbirds. Notre Dame led in every major offensive statistical category, but ISU looked more comfortable as the game wore on.
Five different Redbirds made their first appearance in a game, and ISU was without Gabbi McArtor and Hannah Leinert due to injuries. Three others, Erin Dimon, Haylee Eastridge and Abby Joyce were also unavailable with injuries.
The Irish will begin the season at No. 16 in the polls and currently have two players competing at the U-20 World Cup.
The Redbirds will be back in action Friday at Adelaide Street Field against the Big Ten's Purdue Boilermakers. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast live on RedbirdHD.tv.
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