Logan, UT - Freshman Leah Crotty netted the first Illinois State goal of the 2022 season, but the Redbirds (0-3-0, 0-0-0 MVC) fell 2-1 Thursday night to Utah State (2-0-1, 0-0-0 Mountain West). The Aggies' 88th minute penalty kick goal moved Utah State past Illinois State.
Crotty is the first freshman to score for Illinois State in nearly three calendar years. The last Illinois State freshman to net a goal was current Redbird Katherine Felton, who scored an 8th-minute goal in a 3-2 loss to Illinois back in September of 2019. Crotty's tally Thursday night was a rocket in the 42nd minute that leveled the score just before halftime. Fellow freshman Hillary Griffin was awarded an assist on the goal.
The Aggies controlled possession early, putting seven shots on frame in the opening 30 minutes of the match. Audrey Brown got the start in net and made five saves over the course of the first half. Utah State ultimately broke through in the 30th minute, as Addy Symonds struck for the Aggies.
Illinois State answered with Crotty's goal, sending the contest to halftime with a 1-1 score.
In the second half Utah State tested goalkeeper Daniela Grgas, who took over at the break. Grgas made one save off sprawling stop in the 49th minute.
As the match neared a draw, Utah State earned a penalty kick and put away the game-winner in the 88th minute.
Illinois State finished the night with nine shots and four shots on goal. Crotty led the way with three shots on goal Thursday evening.
UP NEXT
The Utah road-swing continues as the Redbirds take on Utah, Sunday at 6 p.m. MT.
