REDBIRDS ESCAPE WITH A DRAW AGAINST SAINT LOUIS

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — Despite being outshot 17-5, Illinois State Soccer held strong against the high powered Saint Louis offense at home in a 1-1 tie.

The Redbird offense came out firing to start the game with three consecutive shots in the first seven minutes. With an assist from Rylann Law, senior Mikayla Carkhuff scored her first goal as a Redbird to put ISU up 1-0 at 6:45.

After the opening goal, the Billikens turned up the pressure with three straight shots of their own, but the Redbird defense held strong. The first half concluded with each offense struggling to get going after their initial pushes.

Saint Louis came out hot in the second half, getting four quick shots, but goalkeeper Madi Valenti held strong keeping them off board. The Billiken offense refused to let up, taking eight more shots before Rylann Law took the lone shot of the half for the Redbirds.

Despite Illinois State’s best efforts, forward Audrey Smith scored for the Billikens with under three minutes remaining. Neither team was able to get a the game-winning goal, with the game resulting in a 1-1 final.

This is the second time in a row these two teams have tied each other, after their matchup last season ended 0-0.

The Redbirds now turn their attention to Sunday, September 6th, as they take on Purdue Fort Wayne at Adelaide Street Field

For all things Redbird Soccer, stay tuned to WZND.com