Normal, Ill.-- The Illinois State women's soccer team was defeated at home Saturday afternoon by Indiana State. The 2-0 loss was the second consecutive and second overall MVC loss of the season for the Redbirds. The 'Birds now sit at 2-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
The first half of the match got off to a slow start for both teams, with lots of defensive play. Illinois State led Indiana State in shots in the half firing eight and holding the Sycamores to two. The Redbirds also had opportunities to score in the first half off corner kicks, taking two in the half. The game featured freshman Arianna Lombardi making her first career start as a Redbird.
In the second half the Redbirds continued to pile shots on to the Indiana State goalkeeper, adding nine shots in the half. The Sycamores had their first strike 78 minutes into the match, sophomore Celeste Wahlberg fired an unassisted shot that found the back corner of the goal to give Indiana State the 1-0 lead. Then, 81 minutes into the match sophomore Anna Holcombe scored on a goal kick that was drawn from an Illinois State yellow card. This gave Indiana State the 2-0 lead and the win.
The Redbirds finished the match outshooting the Sycamores 17-5 and forcing the Sycamore goalkeeper to make eight total saves.
The Redbirds look to bounce back on Sunday, March 21 as they hit the road to take on Loyola Chicago for the rematch of last year's MVC Championship game.
Follow along with the Illinois State Soccer 25th Anniversary Campaign on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
