Creighton University
Illinois State
Women's Soccer Defeats Illinois State 1-0 in MVC Opener
10/7/2006 3:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb.- Creighton (7-5-1, 1-0-0 MVC) opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a 1-0 victory over Illinois State (3-6-3, 0-2-1 MVC) on Saturday afternoon at Morrison Stadium in front of a crowd of 1,004 fans. The Bluejays had not defeated the Redbirds since 2002 and had not started 1-0 in conference play since 2002.
In the first period, Illinois State had opportunities to take a 1-0 lead but could not convert. Creighton, on the other hand, took advantage of its opportunities and in the 33rd minute took the 1-0 on a goal from Katie Brennan. Brennan scored on a header from five feet out when Kristine Willrett headed a long pass from Sam Russell to Brennan for the first goal of the game.
The Jays kept attacking the Illinois State defense in the second period but seemed to wear down as the game went along. Gretta Arvesen had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 56th minute when she hit a floater over the Redbird's goalkeeper Erica Goethel's head. Goethel put a finger tip on the ball as it bounced off of the cross bar. Illinois State put pressure on the Jays defense late in the second half but CU goalkeeper Kristen Casey kept the Redbirds off of the score board.
"Overall we played well and any win in conference is important," said head coach Bruce Erickson. "In the second period we went away from possessing the ball and tired out. Part of that was due to Illinois State playing very good in the second half."
CU goalkeeper Valerie Zimmerer (4-1-0) started the match and picked up her fourth win of the season, saving three shots in the first period. Casey got the nod in the second period and had three saves to combine with Zimmerer for the shutout.
For the match the Jays outshot the Redbirds 15-14 and both teams had six shot on goal.
Next Friday, Oct. 13, the Jays take on Drake in the second match of conference play at Morrison Stadium. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
