First Half Goals Lift Redbirds to 2-0 Win Over Omaha

Illinois State (4-4-2) bested the Omaha Mavericks (2-6-1) in a 2-0 shut out Sunday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field. Juniors Kate Del Fava and Megan McEachern netted goals in the first half, lifting the Redbirds to a victory in their first home game in nearly a month. Illinois State has now won their last two games, outscoring Omaha and Toledo 4-1.  

"We came out, we were energized, got two goals and they were well-earned," said head coach Brad Silvey. "We probably should've had a few more in the first half with the number of opportunities and shots taken, but nonetheless, happy to be home." 

The 'Birds got on the board early in the fourth minute when junior midfielder Kate Del Fava netted a goal off an outstanding cross from an Abby Basler corner kick. Del Fava, who was selected to the all-MVC preseason team, now has two goals on the season and leads the team in shots (20) and shots on goal (14). Basler was credited with her first assist of the season.

Illinois State controlled much of the possession in the first half, outshooting Omaha 12-2 and having the advantage in corner kicks 4-2. Just before halftime, junior center back Megan McEachern netted her first career goal on a strong shot from distance. Goalkeeper Ina Gudjonsdottir collected four saves in goal for Omaha.

The Mavericks picked up their offense in the second half but could not convert on any opportunities. After only producing two shots in the first half, Omaha would take 10 in the second half with Bailey Cascio putting all three of her shots on goal. Redbird goalkeeper and reigning MVC Defensive Player of the Week Haley Smith had five saves on the day. Smith now has two shut outs this season and 16 in her career.

UP NEXT: Illinois State continues their three-game homestand on Wednesday when they take on Western Illinois at 6 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field. The match will serve as Josh Rodgers Remembrance Day and Redbird soccer will honor Army Ranger Sgt. Joshua Rodgers who passed away in April 2017 in the Nangarhar Province. Joshua's sister, former Illinois State soccer player Hannah Rodgers and her family will present the game ball before the match. The Illinois State ROTC will be in attendance and all veterans and local heroes will be honored during the match.

For all the latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook).

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