The Illinois Springfield women's soccer team fell 1-0 to Drury in a tough defensive battle on Sunday. With this result, UIS moves to 4-3-3 on the season and 4-2-1 in GLVC play, while Drury improves to 8-1-2 and 6-1-0 in the conference.
"It was a great game from two strong teams that brought their best," said senior Brooke Biffar. "We handled the challenges Drury presented throughout the match, and I credit them for staying focused and finding a way to take the lead early in the second half. I'm very proud of our team's effort over the full 90 minutes, and I know we grew from today's experience. We'll get back to work this week to prepare for UMSL and Lincoln."
Game Summary
- Drury tested UIS goalkeeper Allison Mirimanian early, as Tara Simon's shot in the 3rd minute was saved, setting the tone for her strong performance throughout the game
- UIS generated their first opportunity in the 7th minute, with Madison Grandys forcing Drury goalkeeper Katy Fitzler to make a save on a shot aimed at the bottom center of the goal
- Dani Auble followed up with another shot that was also stopped by Fitzler, keeping the score level
- Both teams were called for offside in the half—UIS in the 2nd minute and Drury in the 15th and 27th minutes
- Abby Dellamorte had her best chance late in the half, taking two shots in quick succession around the 28th minute
- The teams went into the locker room scoreless after 45 minutes
- Drury, a team receiving votes in the national poll, broke through in the 54th minute when Bella Hernandez her first goal of the season off an assist from Tara Simon
- Despite Drury holding the majority of possession, UIS managed to create several scoring opportunities, registering seven shots with four on target. Midfielder Dani Auble and substitute Abby Dellamorte led the Prairie Stars' offense with two shots each
- UIS' best opportunity came in the 82nd minute when Katelyn Cavanaugh's shot was saved by Fitzler. The Prairie Stars had a late offside call in the 80th minute that halted another potential attack, leaving them unable to equalize before the final whistle
- Goalkeeper Allison Mirimanian put in a solid performance, making four crucial saves to keep the deficit to just one goal. Drury's Katy Fitzler also had a strong outing in goal, matching Mirimanian with four saves of her own
Stats at a Glance
Goals: DU 1 (Hernandez 54')
Shots: UIS 7 (4 on goal), DU 14 (5 on goal)
Saves: UIS 4 (Mirimanian), DU 4 (Fitzler)
Corners: UIS 1, DU 5
Fouls: UIS 10, DU 8
Offsides: UIS 2, DU 2
Up Next
The Prairie Stars return to Springfield, Ill., next weekend to host Missouri-St. Louis on Friday, and Lincoln on Sunday.
Around the GLVC
Truman State 3, Quincy 0
Upper Iowa 3, William Jewell 2
Rockhurst 1, Lewis 0
Indianapolis 2, Southwest Baptist 1
No. 20 Maryville 3, Lincoln 0
RV Drury 1, Illinois Springfield 0
Missouri S&T 1, No. 23 McKendree 1