CHICAGO, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer team's comeback fell short on Sunday afternoon, as the Redbirds dropped a 3-2 decision to top-ranked Loyola Chicago at Loyola Soccer Park. The Redbirds move to 2-5 (2-3 MVC) while Loyola maintains first place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings with a record of 4-0-1 overall and in league play.
The first half proved to be an offensive showcase, as all five goals in the match came in the first 45 minutes.
The Ramblers had the advantage right from the start as Loyola's Megan Nemec stole the ball from a defender, passing it off to Katharine Stephens to slot it in from the edge of the box just 20 seconds in.
Senior Sarah LaFayette evened the score at the 8:02 mark, slipping the ball through off a cross from fellow senior Abby Basler for her first goal of the year.
A pair of Rambler goals at 25th and 28th minute from Olivia Knab and Amanda Cassidy gave Loyola a 3-1 lead before junior Riley O'Brien scored just before halftime unassisted, slotting the ball past the keeper from 12 yards out.
Neither team could convert in the second half, as the game ended 3-2. Priya Gillan had two saves in goal for the Redbirds. Loyola outshot ISU, 11-7 and 5-3 in shots on goal, also holding a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Seven Redbirds went the full 90 minutes: Basler, Gillan, Arianna Lombardi, Ashley Santos, Ashlee Bakaitis, Michaela Kirschten and Alissa Ramsden.
UP NEXT:
The Redbirds are back at home on Thursday as they host the UNI Panthers at Adelaide Street Field.
At this time, attendance is limited to player pass list only and not open to the general public.
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).
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