The Illinois Springfield women's soccer team's non-conference match at Purdue Northwest was moved from its scheduled 3 p.m. start to 10 a.m. Wednesday because of a heat advisory. The match featured frequent substitutions and hydration breaks helping both teams manage the conditions.
The Prairie Stars played with plenty of attacking intent despite the conditions, creating several quality opportunities while Purdue Northwest also tested the UIS defense. Illinois Springfield put four shots on goal during a sustained stretch between the 20th and 26th minutes.
Purdue Northwest eventually broke through in the 36th minute when Nayla Pena scored off an assist from Addison Thomas. The Prairie Stars responded almost immediately, earning a corner before Autumn Diduch finished off Riley Lloyd's assist just over a minute later to bring the match level at 1-1.Â
The pace continued in the second half. UIS recorded a saved shot at 48:43 and earned a corner at 53:15 before Herber put another attempt on goal shortly afterward.
Herber put another shot on goal at 77:50, while Gigi Yurevich came up with a key save moments later, stopping Kara Machala at 79:55 to keep the match tied.
Less than three minutes later, UISÂ found the breakthrough. Maddie Festerling scored at 82:30 off an assist from Addi Wittenberg, putting the Prairie Stars ahead 2-1 late in the match.
UIS protected the advantage through the final minutes, earning another corner at 84:44 and keeping Purdue Northwest off the scoreboard to secure the road victory.
Festerling scored on her lone shot of the match, while Herber led the Prairie Stars with four shots and two shots on goal. Wittenberg and Lloyd each recorded an assist.
"I was really proud of our effort today in the heat," said Head Coach Scott Myers. "Credit to PNW for coming out on the front foot and making us make changes. I am excited about our style of play we right now as we took steps forward to come from behind and capture the win. Excited to move forward with this group into GLVC play. Shout out to Gigi for a game-saving save and Maddie for taking her opportunity and scoring the game-winner. We will get back to campus and recover and get ready to tackle the GLVC."
The victory closes out UIS' non-conference schedule. The Prairie Stars open Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting Lincoln at 6 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium. The men's team will follow at 8:30 p.m., with both games shifted later into the evening due to weather conditions.Â
