An Abby Basler goal three minutes into the match lifted Illinois State women's soccer (1-0-1) to a 1-0 victory over Eastern Michigan (0-2-0) on Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field. Junior goalkeeper Haley Smith made four saves in her first shutout of the season.
The game-winning goal from Basler came a little after the third minute of play, immediately after an Angel Krell shot that rang off the crossbar. Basler was able to control the rebound and put it past the Eastern Michigan goalkeeper to give the Redbirds the early lead. The Redbirds controlled much of the possession in the first half, taking 13 shots and earning two corner kicks.
"We challenged our team to really push for an early goal and they obviously stepped up and responded to that challenge," said Head Coach Brad Silvey. "Abby Basler getting her first goal of the year, after being out all of last season, was just a really good moment for her and for the team."
After struggling offensively in the first 45 minutes of play, Eastern Michigan came out strong after halftime, posting 11 of their 14 shots in the second half. Illinois State battled to maintain their lead with redshirt sophomore Tate Barney and junior Brittany Paganucci both making outstanding plays on defense to help their team to a victory. Smith made three of her four saves in the second half.
"While it wasn't a complete performance from start to finish, I really felt in the first half we played some excellent soccer," said Silvey. "We're a good enough team to create the chances. Now we just need individuals - on the ball, around the ball, and surrounding the ball – to actually capitalize and put more balls in the back of the net so that we can take a little pressure off ourselves as we try to close out the game."
Illinois State outshot Eastern Michigan overall, 19-14, including 6-4 shots on goal. In goal, Smith recorded her 15th career shutout and first of the season.
UP NEXT: Illinois State heads to the state of Oklahoma this weekend for the Sooner Classic. The Redbirds will face off with Oklahoma on John Crain Field at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24 in Norman, Oklahoma. Illinois State will then travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday, Aug. 26 to play Tulsa at 1 p.m.
For all the latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).
