NORMAL, Ill. – The Drake women's soccer team traveled to Illinois State on Thursday afternoon for a battle of the top two teams in the Missouri Valley Conference table. The Bulldogs came out with a loss, however, falling to the Redbirds by a score of 1-0.
 
It was a competitive first 45 minutes of action between the Bulldogs and the Redbirds, but neither side found the back of the net and the two teams went into the locker rooms with the score deadlocked at 0-0.
 
The Bulldogs tallied five shots in the first half, but many of their attempts were blocked by the swarming Illinois State defense. Eve Blakey was able to get one attempt on target and forced the ISU goalkeeper to make the save in the 19th minute for the only shot on goal by Drake in the half. Comparatively, the Redbirds recorded three shots in the first half with one attempt on target which was saved by Addie Ford.
 
The competitive nature continued in the second half between the Bulldogs and the Redbirds when the action resumed. The physicality also picked up as scoring chances proved to come at a premium.
 
Ultimately, Illinois State was the side that converted on an opportunity. Following an ISU corner kick, Rylie Monahan found a bouncing ball at her feet and let a shot attempt fly. Her shot was blocked by a Drake defender, but the ricochet found its way to Jade Rehberger who was able to put a foot on it and into the goal, which gave Illinois State the lead in the 79th minute.
 
With just over 10 minutes remaining in the contest Drake looked for the equalizer, but it never came.
 
"Tonight was intense, physical, and a great matchup of two good teams," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner said. "Illinois State is obviously so tough to score on, but I felt we had done enough to earn a tie. If either team was going to break open the scoring it was going to be on a free kick or corner as their goal was.
 
"Sunday will come fast and it will be great to be at home for these final two games that will mean so much for league standings. I think when we watch this back, we will be pleased with some of the balls we got across the face of the goal, and our central combinations, but disappointed with our timing or final action around the box."
 
Drake tallied 14 shots in the match, while Illinois State registered nine. Both teams managed just three shots on goal.
 
On the offensive end for the Bulldogs, Angela Gutierrez led the team with six shots. Blakey was next in line with three, along with Zoey Mahoney who also provided three shots. Ford ended her match with three saves in goal.
 
The Bulldogs return to Des Moines for their next match on Sunday, Oct. 26 versus Evansville. Kickoff with the Purple Aces is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT from. Mediacom Stadium.