SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Illinois State women's soccer team (9-8-2, 3-4 MVC) fell to Missouri State (8-9-1, 4-2-1 MVC) Thursday afternoon, 2-0. ISU will take the No. 5 seed heading into the conference tournament.
The Redbirds were able to maintain equal possession throughout the first half despite being outshot 4-11. They were able to challenge MSU on service balls but ultimately struggled to settle in their offensive attack. Dangerous opportunities were present but ISU was unable to come up with the equalizer as a Missouri State goal in the 35th minute gave the Bears the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half brought a new set of challenges for the Redbirds. The Bears came out strong and were able to find the back of the net for the second time, giving them the 2-0 lead in the 57th minute. MSU was able to maintain offensive dominance, outshooting ISU 19-12 on the match, with 11 shots on goal. The Redbirds finished with five shots on goal with sophomore keeper Haley Smith tallying nine saves between the pipes. Senior Emily Dickman led ISU with three shots while six other Redbirds also registered an opportunity.
Illinois State will face No. 4 UNI Sunday at 1 p.m. in Cedar Falls, Iowa for the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament. The winner will advance and play No. 1 Drake Friday, November 3 at tournament site Missouri State. The MVC Tournament Championship will be Sunday, November 5 at 1 p.m. in Springfield, Missouri.
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