Redbird Soccer Loses Late Lead in Draw With UT Martin

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics 

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State Women’s Soccer continued its unbeaten start to the new season following a 1-1 draw against the UT Martin Skyhawks Sunday evening at Adelaide Street Field.

The Redbirds came out firing, as Rylann Law and Sosi Dadekian both recorded shots on goal in the first ten minutes. Illinois State capitalized on the early momentum as sophomore defender Grace Petrie converted a header off of a corner kick in the 24th minute to open the scoring.

ISU kept up the pressure in the second half, but the Skyhawks held firm defensively. Goalkeeper Mac Titus made three saves to keep the Skyhawks in the game. Persistence did not pay off for the Redbirds as Addy McCleary scored the equalizer in the 86th minute for the Skyhawks. The Redbirds pushed for a late winner, but were unsuccessful as the game finished in a draw.

The Redbirds led every statistical category throughout the game but couldn’t break through the Skyhawks late defensive surge. ISU now sits at 2-0-1 on the campaign.

Redbird soccer returns Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to take on in-state opponent Northwestern at Martin Stadium in Evanston.