The Illinois State women's soccer team (6-4-2) defeated Missouri State (6-6), 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field. Junior Kate Del Fava and freshman Shaina Dudas tallied goals for the Redbirds, lifting them to their fourth straight win and continuing their undefeated record at home this season.
Illinois State is now 1-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play and leads the all-time series with the Bears, 17-8-9. Saturday's match was the first time since 2014 that the 'Birds have beat the Bears, having lost or tied in the last three matches.
"Great performance from our team today, start to finish," said head coach Brad Silvey. "I felt today we set a solid tone as we open Missouri Valley Conference play. Missouri State was tough and the competition in the MVC will continue to challenge us as every program played tough non-conference opponents."
Despite Illinois State controlling much of the possession in the first half, Missouri State got on the scoreboard first. Senior Jordan Eickelman recorded the first goal of the game in the tenth minute, slotting it in to the opposite post for her third goal of the season.
"We had the one hiccup early on against the run of play, but our group responded well to level the score in the first half and to get the game winner in the second," said Silvey. "This was our first complete game where we hit all our team goals and played consistent for a full 90 minutes, so the result took care of itself."
The 'Birds got their equalizer 10 minutes later when junior Kate Del Fava found the back of the net, weaving through defenders and slipping a shot past the keeper to tie the game, 1-1. Del Fava has now scored in each of the last three matches and leads the team with four goals on the season.
"Kate is simply tremendous," said Silvey. "She has taken on many different roles and responsibilities within our team and program and continues to amaze me with her work rate and performance. Her commitment to this team and to excellence is never in question."
In the 55th minute, freshman Shaina Dudas recorded the game-winning goal, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper who had come off her line. Redshirt sophomore Tate Barney was credited with the assist on Dudas' second goal of the season.
The Redbirds owned the advantage in corner kicks, 9-2, as well as outshot Missouri State 27-9 and 12-6 in shots on goal. Junior Haley Smith collected five saves in goal for Illinois State.
UP NEXT: Illinois State will continue conference play, traveling to Des Moines, Iowa to take on Drake (3-7) on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. Â
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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