CHICAGO – The Illinois State Soccer team (7-5-1) dominated on both sides of the ball in a 10-0 victory over Chicago State (1-9-0) Saturday. The Redbirds got seven goals in the first half and closed out the match with three more in the second.
"Overall it was a great day for us," head coach Eric Golz said. "We were able to create and finish a number of dangerous opportunities from a variety of different players. Coming into the game, we wanted to continue to become more dynamic in our attack while being more efficient with our finishing. We also wanted to get some minutes for some players who have been working tremendously hard in training."Â
Senior Lauren Koehl opened the match with goals in the fourth and fifth minutes, both unassisted, forcing the keeper off the line after beating multiple defenders. Senior Paige Jarsombeck followed suite in the 11th minute with her first goal of the season off a corner kick from sophomore Kiley Czerwinski. In the 28th minute, freshman Abby Basler was also able to get around defenders and hit one past the keeper as well.
Shortly after, in the 30th minute, Koehl got her third and final goal of the game, and 10th goal of the season, to complete the hat trick. The Redbirds finished out the half with two more goals from freshman Mikayla Unger and junior Emily Dickman.
After ending the first half and getting through halftime in a downpour, the rain subsided for a quick second half. In the 75th minute, freshman Brittany Paganucci got her first collegiate goal to stretch ISU's lead to 8-0. Basler finished the match with a hat trick of her own, getting goals in the 84th and 85th minute.
The Redbirds finished the match 10-0 over the Cougars, with 37 shots to CSU's eight. Basler and Koehl led the team with six and five shots, respectively. Czerwinksi had two assists on the match with freshman Megan McEachern getting her first assist of the season. Freshman Haley Smith finished with three saves and junior Vanessa Niestrom had one save.
"We accomplished all that we wanted to accomplish today, and now look forward to preparing for Missouri State as we continue conference play," Golz said.
ISU returns home for conference play Sunday, Oct. 8, hosting Missouri State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field.
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