![ISU soccer coach Eric Golz. (Photo courtesy ISU Sports Information)](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2015/09/EricGolzPortrait.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
MADISON, Wis. – Lauren Koehl drilled a 20-yard shot into the back of the net in the 22nd minute and that was all the Illinois State soccer team would need in a 1-0 victory over Wisconsin Sunday in Madison, Wisconsin. The win was the second of the season for the Redbirds.
After beginning the season in the Top 25, Wisconsin had dropped out of the polls, but was still receiving votes in the latest National Soccer Coaches of America Association (NSCAA) poll. Both teams came out firing in the opening minutes, but could not find the back of the net.
In the 22nd minute, Koehl navigated her way through traffic to the right corner of the goal box. She launched a shot to the far left corner of the net for her first goal of the season.
The Redbirds defense held for the rest of the first half, not allowing a goal from the seven Wisconsin shots. Jessica Galason made her first career start in the net for ISU after shutting out Eastern Michigan in 65 minutes of action Friday night. The redshirt freshman performed well all game long for ISU and made three saves in the first half.
In the second half, Galason made two more saves as Wisconsin fired 10 shots. The Redbirds also dealt with eight Badger corner kicks, but every time the ISU defense was able to clear the ball back to midfield.
Koehl’s goal proved to be the winner and ISU picked up its second win of the season and its first win against a Big Ten opponent since 2011.
ISU improves to 2-3-1 this season and will face George Mason and Navy next weekend. The Redbirds will kick off at 4 p.m. CT Friday versus George Mason.