CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Everything came together for the Illinois State soccer team Friday night against Southeast Missouri State. After a few matches of nice offense, but few goals to show for it, ISU netted three in the first half and defeated the Redhawks 3-0. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Redbirds in which all three losses were to ranked opponents.
The focus throughout the week in training had been finishing and being efficient with touches for ISU. All the practice paid off as ISU attacked relentlessly for the first 45 minutes on a chilly night in Cape Girardeau. Emily Dickman opened the scoring 14 minutes into the match. Gabbi McArtor sent a cross to the top of the penalty box and a SEMO defender came up to clear it. As the ball was cleared, Dickman came streaking up from her midfield position and the lunged for the ball. It deflected off her shinguard and shot into the back of the net on the left side. The goal gave Dickman three on the season and all three have been game-winners.
One minute later the Redbirds were at it again, this time it was Rachel Tejada's turn. Ali Farkos took a free kick from deep in the corner and put it inside the middle of the box. SEMO goalkeeper, Kindra Lierz came out to grab the ball, but could not get her gloves on it. Tejada was there to stick the ball in and give ISU a two goal lead.
Later in the half Tejada made the hustle play of the game for her second goal. Lierz came out of the box to receive a pass, but off the trap the ball carromed away. Lierz ran after the ball and Tejada slid in with a clean tackle that knocked the ball away. She got up, raced after it and finished with an empty net. It's Tejada's first multi-goal game of the season and she now has 57 for her career. Annie Wayland's all-time program mark of 59 is within reach and Tejada needs just three to take over first.
SEMO controlled the ball for much of the second half, but was unable to crack the ISU defense. Goalkeeper Aryn Newsom had to make just one save and she picked up her second shutout of the year. It was a good bounceback game for the defense after relinquishing 11 goals in the previous three games.Â
The Redbirds outshot SEMO and took more corner kicks. In the team's four wins this season they have outscored their opponents 16-2. Tejada led the Redbirds with a season-high eight shots and 18 different players saw time on the pitch.
ISU's focus now turns to Baylor. The Bears come to town Sunday in another tough nonconference matchup for ISU. Baylor has been receiving votes for the Top 25 and is coming off a narrow defeat at the hands of Notre Dame.
The 4-3 Redbirds will kickoff against Baylor at 1 p.m. from Adelaide Street Field Sunday. A live audio and video stream will be available at GoRedbirds.com and you can follow the team on Twitter @ISU_Soccer.
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