SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –
Keira Love's 17th-minute goal proved to be the difference in Drury's first win of the season, a 1-0 victory over Illinois Springfield on Wednesday night at Lake Country Soccer Complex.
Illinois Springfield opened aggressively, taking three shots in the first 11 minutes and forcing the Drury defense to respond, with freshman
Mia Smith making her first career start on the back line.
Once the Panthers settled in offensively, they broke through on a throw-in that found
Leah McDonald, who turned and connected with Love just inside the 18-yard box. Love used her left foot to fire home the opener in the 17th minute.
UIS controlled possession for much of the remainder of the first half but was unable to convert on its four shots.
In the second half, both teams traded chances, with the Prairie Stars nearly equalizing in the 87th minute. UIS found the net, but the assistant referee's flag ruled the play offside, erasing the goal. That proved to be the final opportunity for either side, as Drury held on for the 1-0 win.
MATCH NOTES
- Keira Love's goal was her first of the season and sixth of her career.
- Love's goal was assisted by Leah McDonald, her second of the season and seventh of her career.
- UIS outshot Drury 14-7, including a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.
- Katy Fitzler made a season-high six saves and recorded her first shutout of the year, the 25th of her career (third most in program history).
- In her first career start, Mia Smith picked up a yellow card.
- UIS' Sophia Davila and Addi Wittenberg each recorded three shots.
- Drury was led by McDonald and Melissa Higgins with two shots apiece.
- Fitzler, Anna Harris, Brooke Teter, and Rebeka Gaal each played 90 minutes.
- The win ended Drury's seven-match winless streak dating back to last season.
- Drury is now 4-1-3 against UIS under Justin Olson and 12-10-2 all-time.
- The Panthers now have 293 program wins, seven shy of 300.
UP NEXT
Drury hits the road on Sept. 12 for a match at Missouri-St. Louis.
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