CHARLESTON, ILL. – Indiana State battled back from an early deficit and earned a 1-1 draw against Eastern Illinois on Thursday afternoon at Lakeside Field. The Sycamores leaned on a strong second-half push and a late equalizer from Alex Lehnert to secure the result in a non-conference game.
The match opened almost immediately, as EIU found the back of the net less than a minute into play. Onstott capitalized on a cross from Tetteh in the first minute, placing a high finish to the center of the goal to give the Panthers an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite the quick strike, ISU regrouped and reestablished possession. Alex Lehnert nearly responded at the 16th minute with a driven shot that missed just wide, while Brooklyn Woods forced EIU goalkeeper Kratochvil into a save off a long-range attempt in the 39th. The Sycamores tallied four shots in the first half, but EIU maintained its one-goal edge at the intermission.
ISU came out of the break with renewed energy, creating consistent pressure in the attacking third. Alex Lehnert and Quinn Urquhart tested Kratochvil early in the second half, while Addyson Warner and Isabella Berta also added attempts as ISU searched for the tying goal.
The breakthrough came at 79:15, when Alex Lehnert delivered the equalizer. After being subbed back on just minutes earlier, the sophomore forward collected possession near the box and fired a low shot to the right side, beating Kratochvil and bringing the score to 1-1. The goal was Lehnert's 5th of the season, extending her role as one of ISU's primary attacking threats.
The Sycamores continued to push forward in the closing stages, with Alex Lehnert forcing another save in the 90th minute and Tori Angelo seeing her shot blocked in the 86th. Kratochvil, who finished with three saves, was key in preserving the draw for the Panthers.
Overall, Indiana State outshot Eastern Illinois 15-7, including an 11-3 advantage in the second half. Lehnert led all players with five shots, while Brooklyn Woods, Addyson Warner, Skylar Cano, and Isabella Berta also contributed to ISU's attack. Goalkeeper Alicia Perez anchored the Sycamore defense with three saves, including crucial stops in the 20th and 64th minutes that kept ISU within striking distance.
How They Scored
1' – Eastern Illinois 1–0: Ella Onstott scored from the right side, finishing high center off a cross from Alex Tetteh.
80' – Indiana State 1–1: Alex Lehnert equalized with a strike to the low right corner.
News & Notes
Up Next
Indiana State returns home to Memorial Stadium on Sunday, September 7, hosting Southeast Missouri State. Kickoff is set for 1 PM ET.
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