Redbird soccer falls to No. 24 Northwestern

Posted on September 9, 2016

By ISU Sports Information
EVANSTON – The Illinois State soccer teams fell to No. 24 Northwestern, 1-0, Thursday night at Lanny & Sharon Martin Stadium. With the loss, the Redbirds fall to 2-5-0 on the season, while the Wildcat improved to 6-0-0 overall.

“I was proud of the way in which we competed tonight, but we just lacked some details to break some of the pressure we were under,” head coach Eric Golz said. “Credit to northwestern, they did a good job of taking away some of the things they we are very good at. It was another difficult opponent that presented some challenges that will help us grow and be better against future opponents”

The Wildcats pressed the Redbirds early. Northwestern Nikia Smith scored after a scramble in 18-yard box. Freshman Haley Smith had two staller back-to-back saves, but with multiple numbers in the box the Wildcats snuck one in. Shortly after, Illinois State gained momentum and was able to control the ball in the Wildcats’ attacking third. Unfortunately, the Wildcats tallied nine shots, while ISU picked up two.

In the second half, the Wildcats tested the Redbirds as they tallied 25 shots and eight on goal. Smith had a strong effort between the pipes as she grabbed seven saves, which is a career high. Illinois State’s defense had an incredible play in the 70th minute of the game. Northwestern rocketed a corner kick in the box and Smith successfully knocked it away, then the Wildcats answered back with a long shot, but ISU denied it with a clear from the goal line.

In the last ten minutes of play, ISU picked up momentum. Lauren Koehl tried to even the score as she got a shot off at the top of the 18-yard box, but the ball trailed wide. In the 86th minute, Megan Kozlow sent a long ball into the box, as Emily Dickman made a stellar run, but unfortunately the ball scanned the top of her foot and went out of bounce.

Overall, Northwestern finished with a 25-7 advantage over Illinois State with eight on goal, while ISU picked up three. The Wildcats also tallied six corner kicks compared to the Redbirds’ two.

The Redbirds return to Adelaide Street Field Sunday, Sept. 11 to host North Dakota. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.

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