The Illinois State soccer team came from behind to defeat Stetson 3-2 on Sunday morning, scoring in the 31st, 54th and 79th minutes after trailing 2-0. Redshirt sophomore Sarah LaFayette, junior Natalie Vaughn-Low, and junior Alissa Ramsden were the goal scorers for the Redbirds.
This was ISU's fourth-straight win, as they improve to 6-4 on the season. The Hatters drop to 2-6-1.
Stetson jumped out to a 2-0 lead, following a pair of goals by freshman Maggie Struble in the fourth and 25th minutes. It was the Hatters freshman's team-leading fifth and sixth goals of the season.
LaFayette would get one back for the 'Birds before halftime, pulling up for a wonder goal from around 25 yards out to score in back-to-back matches. It was LaFayette's second goal of the year and sixth in her career. Ramsden earned her second assist of the year on the goal.
Vaughn-Low proved why she is the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week in the 54th minute, as she received the ball from Abby Basler at the top of the box and cut behind the defense to let loose the equalizer. Vaughn-Low now has two goals on the season and five in her career.
Ramsden's game winner came with 11 minutes left in the match off a corner kick. Basler sent in the corner, finding Ramsden who tallied her first career goal with a header. Over the last two games, Ramsden has picked up two assists and a goal, totaling four points during the Redbirds' trip to Florida.
Basler was credited with two assists on the day, bringing her to a team-high three assists on the season, which she shares with senior Mikayla Unger.
Senior Haley Smith made six saves in goal for the Redbirds. Illinois State outshot Stetson 20-13 on the day and had a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
"Proud of the resolve and fight our team has consistently shown all season," said head coach Brad Silvey. "They've worked incredibly hard to position themselves in a great place heading into conference play."
UP NEXT
The 'Birds will travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 28 to open conference play. Kickoff with UNI is set for 1 p.m.
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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