SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. - The Drake women's soccer team saw its Missouri Valley
Conference opener spoiled as Illinois State (6-4, 1-0 MVC) scored a goal in
each half to register a 2-0 victory past the Bulldogs (2-5-4, 0-1 MVC) on
Sunday (Sept. 25).
"Illinois State is athletic and dangerous in both the run of
play and set pieces," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner commented. "Their athleticism caused us all sorts
of problems on both sides of the ball. It wasn't for lack of effort that we
lost today. We were organized,
battled, and had leaders on the field."
"Down a goal with about 15 minutes to play, Gina (Zurbey)
had our best chance of the game when she got in behind their backs, but hit the
post. We threw more numbers forward in hopes of netting the equalizer with
about 12 minutes left, but today the risk resulted in their second goal."
The Redbirds netted what proved to be the game-winning goal
in the 24th minute (23:26) when Rachel Bostick connected off a header on a
serve off Anna Stinson's corner kick.
The Bulldogs were bettered 14-3 in shots in the initial
stanza and 32-5 in the game.
Drake's best scoring opportunity occurred at the 78:27 mark
when Gina Zurbey
(New Brighton, Minn./St. Anthony Village) shot struck the post.
Illinois State added an insurance tally in 87th minute
(86:34) from Mia Patrevito to complete the 2-0 triumph.
Kyle Cross led all players with seven shots, while Drake was
directed by a team-high two shots from senior Danielle Figliola (Longmont, Colo./Silver Creek).
Sophomore goalkeeper Kalena Litch (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) recorded
a game-best nine saves for the Bulldogs, while Mara Kremenovic hauled in three
stops for the Redbirds.
Drake now returns home to host Indiana State on Friday
(Sept. 30) at the Cownie Soccer Complex.
The 7:00 p.m. game against the Sycamores will serve as the
Bulldogs' first annual "KICK Cancer Game" in an effort to create awareness
about cancer research. Drake will don purple jerseys for the affair and
free purple "KICK Cancer" shirts will be given to the first 100 fans in
attendance. Fans may also bid on their favorite Bulldog Purple jersey
during the first half of the game through an ongoing silent auction. A
special halftime ceremony will take place to recognize cancer survivors.
"We're thrilled that our road swing comes to an end and are
ready to take on Indiana State at home," said Horner.
