Normal, Ill. - Illinois State netted multiple goals for the first time this season but the Redbirds fell 3-2 to Milwaukee (3-1-1, 0-0-0 Horizon) Sunday on Senior Day at Adelaide Street Field. Junior Erica Moline tallied her first-career goal in the 45th minute while Graduate student Shaina Dudas scored her first goal of the year in the 82nd minute.
Illinois State (0-6-0, 0-0-0 MVC) battled with the four-time defending Horizon League champions in a physical affair Sunday afternoon. The Redbirds fell behind 2-0 before Moline struck just before the half with a chance from outside the box. Her ball hooked into the top right corner and made it 2-1 at the break. Illinois State faced a 3-1 deficit before Dudas' long-range strike by the near end-line beat the Milwaukee goalkeeper from a tight angle and trimmed the Panther lead.
Freshmen Leah Crotty and Hillary Griffin recorded assists on the Moline goal as they fed the ball from just outside the top of the box. Junior Haley Glover's assist set up the Dudas goal.
Milwaukee scored on goals in the 10th and 27th minutes from Lainey Higgins and Brooke Parnello for the 2-0 lead over Illinois State Their final tally was an Illinois State own-goal in the 47th minute.
The Panthers controlled possession for most of the match and led the shot count by a 21-4 margin (9-2 SOGs), but the Redfirds found themselves right in the mix over the final eight minutes. Illinois State made a strong final push, including a corner kick opportunity in the 88th minute, but Milwaukee was able to hold on for the win.
In goal, Audrey Brown played all 90 minutes for the Redbirds, making sevens saves on the day.
UP NEXT
Illinois State closes out its home non-conference slate Sep. 8 as Lindenwood comes to Adelaide Street Field for a 6 PM kick off on ESPN+ or ESPN3.