The Illinois State soccer team opened up its 2019 season with a victory, defeating Omaha 3-2 on Friday evening. Senior midfielder Kate Del Fava scored two goals in Illinois State's season debut, with fellow senior Mikayla Unger adding one of her own.
"It was a solid performance from our team tonight against a very physical and direct opponent," said head coach Brad Silvey. "This was a great test for us on the road as we will see similar playing styles in the future. I'm very pleased with our attack and the chances we created."
Redbird soccer came out firing, finding the back of the net two times in the first 17 minutes to put Illinois State up 2-0.
First, Unger directed a shot to the lower right corner of the box in the seventh minute, forcing the Maverick goalkeeper to her knees to block the shot. With an open goal, Del Fava then jumped on the rebound and tapped it towards the back left post to score the Redbirds' first goal of the season. It was Del Fava's first shot of the night and Unger was credited with the assist.
Just about ten minutes later, Unger would find the back of the net herself. Collecting a pass from Ashley Santos a good distance from the box, Unger lofted it over the backtracking goalkeeper into the goal.
The final Redbird goal would come in the 81st minute, when senior Tate Barney floated a ball into the box for Del Fava to put away for her second goal of the night. It was Del Fava's first multi-goal game of her ISU career and the first for the Redbirds' since Abby Basler scored a brace at Evansville on Oct. 21, 2018. Del Fava put all four of her shots on goal tonight.
While scoring three goals, Illinois State conceded goals by Omaha's Amanda Rapaduski in the 32nd minute and Margaret Lavigne in the 83rd minute. The Mavericks outshot the 'Birds 13-10 on the night, and 8-7 in shots on goal.
"We will need to manage the game better moving forward after securing a two-goal lead, but proud of the resolve and grit we showed to never give up the lead," said Silvey. "This is a great starting point to the season and great for our team confidence."
Senior goalkeeper Haley Smith got the win in goal for the Redbirds, making six saves on 13 shots faced.
UP NEXT:
Illinois State continues their road trip, traveling south to Kansas City to play the Kansas City Roos at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @Redbird_Soccer (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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