Illinois Springfield Women's Soccer (7-6-3, 5-5-3) lost 1-0 to McKendree (14-2-1, 10-2-1) on Wednesday. The Prairie Stars kept pressure on from 67:08 to 81:21 while down 1-0, but the push did not yield an equalizer.
The Prairie Stars kept the first half scoreless while facing a McKendree stretch from 13:34 to 25:33 that included two shots and three corner kicks.
Abbie Gleason and
Maddie Festerling each put shots on goal that Peyton Baker saved, and the half ended 0-0.
After McKendree scored in the 67th minute, UIS pushed for an equalizer with four shots and three corner kicks over the next stretch. Gleason and
Sophia Davila each put shots on goal during that response, but both were saved, and the second half ended with the Prairie Stars falling 1-0.
Gigi Yurevich recorded three saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Gleason put both of her shot attempts on goal. Festerling added two shots, including one on goal.
"Really proud of our team today," said head coach
Scott Myers. "A bit of unlucky circumstance led to the goal, but we were able to execute our defensive plan against one of the most potent offenses in the country. While the mood was somber after the game, I'm grateful for our season thus far. We've changed the mindset of our program and shown that we're making strides forward. We still have goals we're chasing this season, and I feel we'll be prepared to welcome Rockhurst on Saturday and play another great game at Kiwanis."
Myers also recognized McKendree head coach Tim Strange, who announced he will retire after the season.
"Credit to Tim for giving us a great game. He has done so much for our conference over the last four decades, helping the GLVC gain recognition by producing top-level teams year in and year out. It's rare to see a coach stay with a program for so long, and I'm grateful for all he has contributed to the GLVC, both on and off the field. I wish him all the best in his retirement!"
Up next, UIS hosts Rockhurst in the regular season finale on Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon at Kiwanis Stadium.
UIS thanks CEFCU for its partnership and continued support of UIS soccer.Â
Learn more about CEFCU.
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