Normal, Ill. - Junior Allison Baker tallied the first brace of her collegiate career, lifting Illinois State soccer over Lindenwood (3-3-1, 0-0-0 OVC) Thursday night, 5-1. It was the first win of the season for Illinois State, who improved to 1-6-0 on the season.
Baker led a five-goal barrage for the Redbirds, which represents the most goals for Illinois State in a single game since September of 2019 (5-0, 9/28 at UNI). Baker scored in the 21st and 49th minutes, marking just the third brace by an Illinois State player over the last two seasons. (Natalie Vaughn-Low, twice in 2021). She also recorded an assist on the night, her first of the year.
Two Redbirds recorded their first collegiate goal in the win as freshmen Kelsi McLaughlin and Hillary Griffin each found the back of the net. McLaughlin's 17th-minute strike put Illinois State up 1-0, while Griffin scored just after halftime in the 46th minute.
Griffin also finished the night with a pair of assists, becoming the first Redbird to record two assists in a single game since October of 2019. (Vaughn-Low vs Evansville)
It was a dominating offensive night for the Redbirds, who had a 21-5 edge in the shot count. Illinois State jumped on the Lions with two first-half goals in less than five minutes. McLaughlin sliced through the Lion defense for a 1-0 lead off a big strike. Baker scored four minutes later with a volley-goal in the box off an assist from Haley Glover.
After a goal for the Lions, Illinois State led 2-1 at the half. Illinois State scored twice in two minutes to open the second half as Griffin and Baker set each other up for goals. Baker's centering pass laid way for Griffin's volley to find the back of the net in the 46th minute. Baker scored in the 49th minute after settling a cross from Griffin.
Glover rounded out the strong offensive effort with a rebound-goal in the 59th minute. Griffin's shot caromed off the post and left an easy tap-in for Glover's second goal of the year.
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Illinois State heads to in-state foe Western Illinois for a 1 p.m. CT contest this Sunday.
