Normal, Ill. – Illinois State Soccer (2-9-0, 0-3-0 MVC) dropped a hard-fought 1-0 contest Sunday at home to Indiana State (2-5-2, 2-0-1 MVC). The Redbirds controlled possession and offensive chances, but a 39th minute tally from the Sycamores pushed Indiana State over the edge for the win.
The match opened straight away with a scoring chance for the Redbirds in the first minute. Illinois State played in cross for Erica Moline, who's header to the top right corner was saved by the Sycamores.
Later in the first half, freshman Sammi Cenek sent an open chance high from inside the 18, keeping the match scoreless.
Indiana State struck in the 39th minute with a tally from junior Carlie Jensen. The Sycamores rode a 1-0 halftime lead despite a 5-2 edge for the Redbirds in the shot count.
Illinois State made a strong push for an equalizer but couldn't break through in the second half. The Redbirds put four chances on frame in the second half, including a pair of rolling shots from Katherine Felton in the 59th and 64th minutes.
Illinois State earned a free kick in the 88th minute that resulted in a strong final chance of the match. Katharine Ashley played a free kick into the box and Mak Kirschten's header at the doorstep was off target.
For the afternoon, Illinois held a 13-7 advantage in shots (6-3 SOG) while generating four corner kicks.
UP NEXT
The Redbirds head to Des Moines, IA for a Thursday night matchup with Drake next week. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
