DES MOINES, Iowa — Illinois State soccer battled Drake through a physical, fast-paced matchup Sunday afternoon, but a second-half goal proved to be the difference as the Redbirds dropped a 1-0 decision to the Bulldogs at Mediacom Stadium.
The Redbirds are now 9-3-5 overall and 4-2-2 in Missouri Valley Conference action.
Drake came out attacking, earning two corner kicks in the opening five minutes and testing the Redbird back line. Goalkeeper Madi Valenti made an early save, while the Bulldogs had another attempt blocked and sent four shots wide of the goal.
Illinois State gradually settled into the match, with Rylann Law recording the Redbirds' first shot before Rylie Monahan and Ava Watson added attempts of their own. The Redbird defense responded to Drake's early pressure, holding the Bulldogs without a shot over the final 18 minutes of the first half.
The Redbirds generated more offensive pressure in the closing minutes, earning a corner kick and creating another opportunity through Aniya Seymore, whose shot was blocked. Despite the attacking efforts on both ends, the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Drake picked up where it left off to open the second half, recording two shot attempts in the first five minutes.
Illinois State looked to build momentum offensively, as Grace Petrie put a shot on target that was saved and Monahan and Sammi Cenek also added attempts.
Valenti continued to keep the Redbirds in the match, making two impressive, stretching saves to keep the score knotted at zero with time winding down.
Drake eventually broke through, however, finding the top-right corner of the mesh in the 79th minute, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
The Redbirds continued to battle in the closing minutes, but Drake held on to secure the crucial conference victory.
UP NEXT
Illinois State closes out the regular season at home against Valparaiso on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Adelaide Street Field.
