The Illinois State women fell to Northern Iowa, 2-1, on Wednesday .(Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL. – A slow start proved too much to overcome for the Illinois State (8-4-2, 1-2-0 MVC) soccer team, as the Redbirds lost to Northern Iowa (7-8-1, 2-1-1 MVC) 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at Adelaide Street Field.

The Redbirds outshot the Panthers 18-4 throughout the game, but could not find the equalizer in the second half after being down 2-0 at the break.

“We definitely came out flat in the first half, which has been somewhat of a trademark for us this season,” coach Drew Roff said. “We tried to fix some things and just did not play with any sense of urgency. I thought Northern Iowa did a good job of going hard and winning the 50-50 balls. They scored a nice goal in transition, and that corner kick goal was a back-breaker.”

The Redbirds continue conference play and their four-game home stand Sunday afternoon against Indiana State at 1 p.m. Senior Day and Heidecke Day will both be celebrated. The six Redbird seniors will be recognized before squaring off with the Sycamores. Additionally, players, coaches and fans will gather after the game to honor former Redbird player Julie Heidecke, who passed away in an automobile accident in 1998.