NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's soccer team earned its first Missouri Valley Conference win of the fall 2021 season as the Redbirds edged Southern Illinois, 2-1, at Adelaide Street Field on Saturday evening.
Redshirt junior Indianna Asimus and junior Katherine Felton scored for the Redbirds (3-8 overall, 1-1 MVC).
Maddy Alaluf made eight saves for Southern Illinois (0-9-1 overall, 0-2 MVC)
Fifth-year senior Natalie Vaughn-Low had a ninth-minute penalty kick stopped by the Saluki keeper in first half that saw numerous ISU chances.
The 'Birds struck just 2:01 into the second half as senior Riley O'Brien found fifth-year senior Sarah LaFayette down the left sideline. LaFayette made a cross to the far post, tapped in from three yards out by Asimus.
ISU continued to apply pressure, breaking through again in the 72nd minute. A left-footed shot from Felton from 20 yards out snuck just into the right post to extend ISU's advantage to 2-0. Senior Logan Ziegler was credited with an assist.
SIU got on the scoreboard in the 80th minute but was unable to net an equalizer.
Fifth-year senior Ashley Santos broke the program record with her 83rd career start, surpassing NWSL draftees Rachel Tejada and Kate Del Fava. Santos also tied Del Fava's record for matches played with her 84th.
The team honored Army Ranger Sgt. Josh Rodgers, who passed away in April 2017 in the Nangarhar Province as part of Military Appreciation Night. Joshua's sister, former Illinois State soccer player Hannah Rodgers, and her family were in attendance and presented the game ball before the match.
QUOTE FROM FIFTH-YEAR HEAD COACH BRAD SILVEY
General Thoughts: "I'm really proud of our team's perseverance and resilience and mental toughness to overcome a lot of misses [early in the first half]. I thought me managed it really well--we came out flying in the second half and that was exciting for us...It's great to get our first Valley win and first win on Adelaide [Street Field]. Just great to win, in general. We're gonna enjoy this for a little bit of time and then all of our focus shifts toward Missouri State."
On Ashley Santos' Record: "She is quite amazing. She has definitely left a mark that is challenging for anyone to meet--not just the number of starts, but what she's done for our program as a leader. The positive influence she's had--just a model student-athlete. She's just tremendous. We're blessed to have her around"
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