Box Score

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State women’s soccer picked up its sixth consecutive win over Western Illinois on Sunday afternoon with a thrilling last minute victory. Freshman Whitney McInnis netted the game winning goal in the 89th minute on a lead pass from Lauren Podolski to improve the Sycamores to 3-4 on the season. Western Illinois dropped to 4-4 and continued the teams’ losing streak after beginning the season with a perfect 4-0 record.

With the win, ISU keeper Rachel Rudzis moved into a tie for first place on Indiana State’s all-time career wins list with 19. Sycamore standout Carey Patton set the mark during the 2001-03 seasons.

Indiana State got out to a quick lead in the game, scoring in the 6th minute as Amanda Gogel shot a crossing pass from Meaghan Gaffney and Podolski into the back on the net for her first goal of the season.

The lead would hold through the half as the Sycamores used an efficient attack, firing three shots with each on goal in the first 45 minutes.

“I think our shots on goal percentage says a lot about our finishing chances,” head coach Vernon Croft said of the match. “We have been out shot, but we make sure to take our chances and make the most of every opportunity.”

Indiana State would add to the lead early in the second half when Gaffney picked up her second assist of the game as her leading pass to Podolski was right on the money and Podolski scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Western Illinois would fight back and miss some near chances as balls connected with the cross bar and side posts before Katelyn Wisner found the back of the net on a corner kick assisted by Elizabeth Remes.

The Westerwinds would continue the attacking surge in the half, out shooting the Sycamores 14 to 5 in the final 45 minutes. WIU tied the game in the 83rd minute as ISU’s Jennifer Milward tried to clear the ball, but instead redirected a crossing pass into the back of Indiana State’s net for an own goal.

The Sycamores rebounded from the mistake and, once again, capitalized on an efficient attack with McInnis scoring the game winning goal on a lead pass from Podolski in the 89th minute of the game.

“These back to back wins will definitely be a confidence booster and an emotional lift for our players,” Croft said of the hard fought victory. “But we can’t dwell on the win too long or we will find ourselves in the losing column again.”

With her four point effort (goal and 2 assists), Podolski is now second in goals, assists and points scored in a career at Indiana State. The native of Canada is only behind by one in each category and will look to set a new standard in the Sycamores’ upcoming matches.

Indiana State will be back in action next weekend on the road as they travel to Cleveland State for a night game with the Vikings, Friday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. The Sycamores will wrap up the road trip with a stop at IUPUI on Sunday, September 24 with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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