By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL – Ali Farkos and Lauren Koehl each scored a goal as the Illinois State soccer team held off a late rally from Loyola to pick up a, 2-1, win in Missouri Valley Conference play Wednesday night at Adelaide Street Field.
Despite an early trio of corner kicks from Loyola, Illinois State controlled the game for much of the first 45 minutes. In the 31st minute, ISU found a break through as Farkos lined up to take a cross from the right sideline. Instead, the ball sailed high over Loyola keeper Maddie Ford’s head and into the net for a, 1-0, Redbird lead.
The goal was Farkos’ first of the season and the Redbirds went to the half leading by one.
Loyola’s offense came to life at the beginning of the second half as the Ramblers generated more offensive chances, but the ISU defense answered the call each time.
In the 74th minute the Redbirds added to their lead as Lauren Koehl received a pass from Emily Dickman inside the goal box. Koehl rifled a shot across the face of the goal and in for her fourth of the season. It was also her third-straight match with a goal.
Down 2-0, Loyola increased the offensive pressure, and in the 85th minute cut the lead in half. Ashley Bovee found herself open in the middle of the goal box and headed in a cross from Katie Grall to make it 2-1.
However, ISU controlled the final five minutes and pushed its record to 4-6-2 overall and 1-1-0 in the MVC. ISU outshot Loyola 16-9, while Loyola held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks.
Koehl led the Redbirds with seven shots while Vanessa Niestrom made one save in the net.
ISU is back at home Friday against Oklahoma. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Adelaide Street Field.
