Soccer Squanders Early Lead in Loss to Illinois State

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University soccer team squandered an early lead and snapped a three-game unbeaten streak Friday night, Sept. 16, falling to Illinois State, 4-2. The Eagles (2-3-2) struck first but three second half goals by the Redbirds (4-5-0) sunk the Green and White.

Senior Ellie Tillar (Cincinnati, Ohio-Turpin) provided the Eagles with an early lead, netting her team-leading third goal of the season in the 13^th minute. Senior Rachel Washburn (Hartland, Mich.-Hartland) brought the ball up the sideline, eventually crossing a ball to the top of the 18 where Tillar gained position on her mark. Spinning off her defender, Tillar took a touch and blasted a shot into the back of the net, putting the Eagles ahead, 1-nil.

The score remained 1-0 in favor the Green and White for the next 29 minutes as the Eagles defense fought off several close calls by the Redbirds. During the span, ISU pinged a shot off the post and sent four others wide and high of frame.

Illinois State evened the score in the 42^nd minute after Eastern Michigan failed to fully clear the ball and control possession. Catching the Eagles' backline on their heels, ISU's Kelli Zickert sent a low cross through the box where Brianne Richards registered the equalizer.

After trading possession in the midfield, EMU gave the Redbirds their first lead of the match courtesy of an own goal. A botched clearance by the Eagles bounced backwards and inside the post, putting ISU ahead, 2-1.

The Redbirds fed off the gifted goal, adding an insurance strike three minutes later. Catching the Eagles' defense high, Lauren Koehl dribbled it in and scored.

Trailing 3-1, the Green and White took it right at the ISU defense off the restart. Junior Chanel Vani (Brampton, Ontario-Cardinal Leger) ran the ball up the sideline and played a high soaring cross into the box. Freshman Sabrina McNeil (Whitby, Ontario-Henry Street) played the cross on the bounce and headed it in for the first goal of her career, cutting the deficit to one in the 64^th minute.

Unfortunately, Eastern Michigan's momentum was short lived as a 69^th minute goal by ISU's Koehl put the Rebirds up for good, 4-2.

The Eagles close out non-conference play Sunday, Sept. 18, versus the University of Detroit Mercy. The tilt against the Titans is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Scicluna Field.

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Team Stats

Ellie Tillar

Sabrina McNeill

Rachel Washburn

Chanel Vani

Players Mentioned

Sabrina McNeill

Ellie Tillar

Chanel Vani

Rachel Washburn

Players Mentioned

Sabrina McNeill

Ellie Tillar

Chanel Vani

Rachel Washburn

Eastern Michigan Athletics