Chicago, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer dropped it's Missouri Valley Conference opener 2-0 Sunday at UIC, snapping a two-game win streak for the Redbirds (2-7-0, 0-1-0 in MVC).
The Flames (1-4-2, 1-0-0 MVC) picked up their first win of the season with a convincing offensive performance. UIC led the shot count 18-4 and held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
UIC broke the seal late in the first half with a long-distance strike from Hannah Gryzik in the 42nd minute. The Flames capped off the day in the 83rd minute as Valeria De Silva lobbed a ball over top for Makena Shaw, bringing Redbird goal-keeper Audrey Brown off her line. Shaw scored to give the Flames a 2-0 advantage.
The Redbirds struggled with offensive possession in the match, but still sat within striking distance until the 83rd minute tally for UIC.
Midfielder Katelynn Buescher led the way with a pair of shots on frame as Illinois State made a second-half push for the equalizer. Her strike from near the 18 sailed just over the crossbar and was tipped by UIC goalkeeper Lauren Keiser in the 73rd minute, resulting in Illinois State's lone corner of the match.
Katharine Ashley and Sammi Cenek also recorded shots in the game.
UP NEXT
The Redbirds return home to Adelaide Street Field for a pair of games next week. Illinois State hosts UNI Thursday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and Indiana State Sunday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN3.
