McLean County Times

Despite a strong effort, Illinois State Soccer (2-4-1, 0-0-0 MVC) fell Thursday night to Northern Illinois (5-1-1, 0-0-0 MAC) 1-0 after a late first-half goal from the Huskies.

"I feel like our team had a good game," head coach Raleigh DeRose said. "I want to emphasize that I'm proud of how my team started the game. I'm proud of my team for their decisions, both defensively and offensively."

The Redbirds fought hard to break through in the second half as Illinois State generated key opportunities but couldn't level the score.

Overall, Northern Illinois led the shot count 13-7 with a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal. However, Illinois State tallied five corner kicks to lead the match, including four in the second half.

Northern Illinois earned a corner kick with less than a minute remaining in the first half. The ball was played into the box, resulting in a scrum in front of the net. Northern Illinois had three opportunities before Kelsi McLaughlin broke through for the game-winning goal in the 45th minute.

Freshman Katie Reyes led the offensive attack in the second half, generating a few opportunities in the run of play. She put a shot on frame in the 60th minute that was corralled by Northern Illinois.

Madi Valenti made six saves in net for the Redbirds, including a pair in the second half. She stopped a header off a cross from Northern Illinois and a free kick from just outside the 18-yard line to keep the score at 1-0.

The Birds host Butler Sunday at 1 PM on Adelaide Street Field.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.

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