NORMAL, Ill. – Sunday may have been Illinois State soccer's best match of the season, but it came in a loss. The Redbirds were defeated by Boston College, 4-1 Sunday at Adelaide Street Field. It's ISU's third loss in a row to a team that has been in the Top 25 this season.
With the match being broadcasted nationally on NSCAATV.com, the Redbirds made quite an impression on such a large stage. Things got off to a rocky start, with Boston College scoring twice in the first 12 minutes of the match. However, ISU's offense seemed quicker and more relentless than they had been all season.
A minute after the second BC goal, Hannah Leinert scored her third goal of the year for ISU to bring her squad within one. Rachel Tejada assisted the play for her fifth helper of the season. From there, the rest of the half was a fast-paced exhibition of solid offense. Both teams generated multiple chances, but could not find the back of the net.
Multiple times it looked as though ISU would tie the match, but shots off the crossbar and just wide kept it from doing so. The pressure stayed on as ISU's offensive unit kept the ball in its attacking half for much of the first 45 minutes.
The second half brought more of the same, as ISU moved the ball fluidly on offense and spent plenty of time in the BC box. Several times the crowd applauded ISU's efforts, but they never could find the equalizer. Boston College would go on to score two goals in the second half to put the game away.
The Redbirds had a hard time handling Boston College's Stephanie McCaffrey. McCaffrey netted two goals and assisted another for a total of five points on the day.
It's another frustrating loss for the Redbirds, but one they can hardly hang their heads about. Every major statistic was almost even. BC outshot ISU 19-14, but nine of the Redbirds' shots were on goal. In the net, Aryn Newsom made three saves.
The loss drops ISU to 3-3 on the season and more tough tasks await. This week the 'Birds are on the road Friday to face Southeast Missouri State and then back home Sunday to host a Baylor team that is receiving votes for the Top 25.
Friday's kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 and a live audio broadcast can be heard on GoRedbirds.com.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
