Evansville, IN. – Freshman Hillary Griffin netted her second goal of the season, but the Redbirds fell on the road 3-1 Thursday night at Evansville.
The Redbirds trailed 2-0 at the halftime break, then Griffin sparked a strong offensive push by Illinois State. The Redbirds controlled tempo early in the second half, which led to Griffin's tally in the 49th minute.
Junior Haley Glover set up the opportunity as she won possession in the middle third and took the ball forward. Glover fed Griffin, who dribbled into the box and beat the goalie at the near post from about 10 yards out.
It was Glover's third assist of the year, which extends her career high this season.
Griffin's offensive spark spread to the 60th minute, where she scored an equalizing goal but was called offside. Fellow freshman Kelsi McLaughlin also nearly leveled the match later in the 78th minute as she dribbled through the box and struck to the far post. Evansville goalkeeper Georgia Katsonouri was there for the big diving save on that chance.
Illinois State statistically outplayed the Purple Aces for most of the match, including a 13-9 edge in the shot count. Evansville made their opportunities count as they secured their first MVC win of the season. Goals in the 3rd, 36th and 82nd minutes lifted the Purple Aces over Illinois State.
The Redbirds also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks, with all four corners by the Redbirds coming in the first 45 minutes. Illinois State generated back-to-back corner kicks near the 20th minute, leading to a chance in the box with a header from Emily Ehlert.
UP NEXT
The Redbirds put a cap on their 2022 slate with a Noon CT contest Sunday vs Missouri State on ESPN3.
