NORMAL – The Illinois State soccer team jumped out to a two-goal lead Saturday night against Drake, but a late trio of goals from the Bulldogs dropped ISU to 0-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Lauren Koehl got the Redbirds on the board early, scoring her third goal of the season in the ninth minute of the match. Koehl received a pass from Ali Farkos near the six-yard box and chipped it over the Drake goalkeeper’s head to give ISU the lead.
The two teams would go to the half with ISU leading, 1-0, and it didn’t take long into the second half for the Redbirds to add to it. In the 50th minute, Sara Stankoskey dribbled down the right side of the goal box and chipped a cross to the left side of the net. Emily Dickman came in from the left side and volleyed the ball into the net for a, 2-0, ISU lead.
Drake’s offense began to put together a few scoring chances as the half wore on, but the Redbirds’ defense continued to answer the call. However, in the 72nd minute, Rebecca Rodgers fired a strike from 19 yards out that rocketed into the left corner of the net to cut the lead in half.
Less than three minutes later, Sarah Grace Nicholson headed in a goal off a corner kick to tie match at two. Kayla Armstrong earned the assist on the play, which was her second of the night.
Drake completed its comeback in the 86th minute when a long pass was sent into the goal box. Abby Van Deventer went up to clear the header, but the ball sailed over Vanessa Niestrom’s head and into the net for the go-ahead goal.
ISU could not come up with an equalizer and drops to 3-6-2 overall and 0-1-0 in MVC play.
ISU dominated the match from a statistical standpoint, outshooting Drake, 21-6 and holding an advantage in shots on goal, 9-5.
Niestrom made two saves in the net for ISU while her counterpart, Brooke Dennis, made six. The win for Drake snaps a 10-game losing streak against ISU.
The Redbirds are in action Wednesday night with a home match against Loyola at 7 p.m.
