Normal, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer fell 1-0 at home to Belmont Sunday. The Bruins scored an early first-half goal and held off a surging Illinois State in the second half for the win.
The Redbirds held a convincing 15-7 lead in shots, but Belmont put on a strong defensive performance to keep Illinois State off the board. It was the second straight home game that Illinois State fell despite outshooting their opponent.
Illinois State dominated the second half of play with a wealth of opportunities but couldn't break through. Senior Katharine Ashley's shot off an 85th-minute free kick highlighted the second half chances for Illinois State. The Redbirds earned a free kick outside the box, setting up the chance from Ashley. She sent a screaming straight away shot on frame but a big save was made by Belmont goalkeeper Sarah Doyle, which set up an Illinois State corner kick.
Belmont scored in the 10th minute off a chance at the doorstep from Kennedy Wise. Maci Pekmezian assisted on the Bruin game-winning goal. Illinois State trailed 1-0 at the half despite a 7-3 edge in the shot count.
Five Redbirds had multiple shots in the loss, including Ashley, who put a pair of shots on frame against the Bruins.
UP NEXT
The Redbirds are back at Adelaide Street Field as they host Valparaiso next Thursday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
