Des Moines, Iowa -- The Illinois State women's soccer team traveled to Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday night for their third MVC game of the season, taking on the Drake Bulldogs. In a hard defensive fought match the Redbirds fell 1-0.
Drake started the match by putting pressure on the Redbirds, but the Redbirds returned the favor. Redshirt sophomore Abby Basler had two shots on goal in the first 11 minutes of the match, helping the Illinois State offense add pressure offensively. The Redbirds had a ball find the back of the net that was called off due to offsides. The Illinois State back line helped neutralize the Drake offense multiple times during the half, but they eventually found the Bulldogs found the back of the net. Junior Megan Valenzuela gave Drake the 1-0 lead 41 minutes into the match.Â
In the second half the game continued to be a defensive struggle. The Redbirds had multiple opportunities in the second half, with a shot from senior Sarah LaFayette firing a ball off the right post and bouncing to and off of the left post. Freshman Haley Glover also had a scoring opportunity late in the game that was also saved. The Redbirds outshot the Bulldogs 13-10 in the match, and put six shots on goal to Drake's two. The 'Birds had opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net. The loss is the Redbirds first MVC loss of the season, putting the 'Birds at 2-1 in conference play.Â
Illinois State is back in action at Adelaide Street Field on Saturday at 2 p.m. to face the Indiana State Sycamores.Â
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