The Illinois State women's soccer team (5-4-2) extended its winning streak to three with a thrilling 4-1 victory over Western Illinois (2-6-1) on Wednesday night in Normal, Illinois. The Redbirds now lead the all-time series with the Leathernecks, 4-2-2, and remain undefeated at Adelaide Street Field this season. Juniors Kate Del Fava and Alix McArthur each netted goals in the first half while freshman Hannah Mueller recorded a brace in the second half to solidify the Redbird triumph.
"Our girls responded to the style of play tonight incredibly well," said head coach Brad Silvey. "To net four goals against a tough Western team – and that's a tough Western team, the toughest I've seen them since I've been here – to get four on them was incredibly exciting. We're building some momentum heading into conference season."
In the sixth minute, Del Fava would beat her defender and slot the ball into the lower right corner to get the 'Birds on the board first. She has scored in back-to-back matches to improve to three goals this season. All of Del Fava's goals this season have come before the sixth minute mark. She currently leads the team in shots and shots on goal.
After a responding goal from the Leathernecks in the 13th minute, Illinois State would get its next scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute on a corner kick. A Del Fava header would fall into the path of McArthur who redirected it past the keeper. McArthur now has an incredible three goals on four shots this season and leads the team with two game-winning goals.
Mueller would score her first career goal in the 74th minute, slipping it past the keeper in the lower left corner of the goal. Six minutes later, she would rocket a shot over the Western Illinois keeper who was off her line to give herself her first career goal and brace in the same game. The last time a Redbird tallied two goals in a game was in 2017 when Mikayla Unger scored two in Illinois State's 5-3 win over Loyola.
"I honestly couldn't be any happier for her," said Silvey of Mueller's performance. "I think you all just saw a small glimmer of what she has in store for her career."
The 'Birds outshot the Leathernecks 20-12 and 12-7 in shots on goal. Senior Angel Krell led the team with four shots. They also held the advantage in corners, earning four while Western Illinois had none. Junior goalkeeper Haley Smith had a great day in goal, adding six saves and increasing her season total to 57. She is averaging 5.2 saves per game.
UP NEXT: Illinois State will finish up its three-game homestand Saturday as they host Missouri State in their conference opener. Kickoff at Adelaide Street Field is set for 2 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and help Redbird soccer "Pack the Pitch" as they attempt to break an attendance record. The first 150 students in attendance will receive a Redbird-themed Harry Potter scarf in honor of Harry Potter's 20th anniversary and concessions will be selling Butter Beer Popcorn. Saturday's match will also feature a RB4L Reunion. Illinois State soccer alum are invited to return for a special tailgate, halftime recognition, and tours of facilities. Post-game, players, friends and family will gather around the entrance to Adelaide Street Field and pay tribute to former Redbird player Julie Heidecke in an annual ceremony.
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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