CEDAR FALLS, Iowa. – The Illinois State women's soccer team (3-5-2) fell, 1-0, in overtime to open conference play at UNI (8-1-1). This was the third match of the season that went to overtime for the Redbirds.
"We played good enough to win today, no doubt about it," said head coach Brad Silvey. "We came out of the gate a bit slow, but steadily gained momentum against a tough and stingy UNI team. However, we will never win a game if we refuse to put the ball in the back of our opponent's net. Too many missed opportunities and stalled attacks allows our competition to always be in the game."
The match started slow for both teams, going without any offensive stats until near the 20-minute mark. The Redbirds went into the half being outshot by the Panthers 4-5. The second half was all about patience and possession, as ISU found their rhythm and outshot UNI 7-3. There were multiple dangerous opportunities around the 18 for the Redbirds throughout the second half, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
The ISU backline continued to build throughout the match, holding the opponent without a goal for the full 90 minutes for the third match in a row. This was the first match of the season that UNI did not score in regulation. The game-winner came in the 91st minute from junior Brynell Yount, as she was able to get around the defender and hit the far post from 12 yards out.
Sophomore keeper Haley Smith tallied six saves on the match for the Redbirds. Freshman Ashley Santos led the Redbirds with three shots, with freshman Natalie Vaughn-Low, sophomore Mikayla Unger, and senior Hannah Rodgers each with two shots.
"We simply have to be more dynamic, more technical, and more determined to score goals. Period," said Silvey.
The Redbirds return to Adelaide Street Field Friday, September 29, when they host nonconference opponent UMKC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
