CHICAGO, Ill. – The Illinois Tech women's soccer team opened the season at home on Thursday evening against Knox College. In the first-ever known meeting between the two programs, the Scarlet Hawks dropped the decision by a score of 2-0.

How it Happened

• Knox controlled possession for much of the first half, outshooting the Scarlet Hawks 10-2. Despite the advantage, Tech kept the Prairie Fire scoreless for much of the half behind strong play in net from Jessica Park (three saves). 
• The Prairie Fire scratched across the first tally of the match at the 40:12 mark, as Kayla Brown scored on an unassisted goal.
• While the Scarlet Hawks evened out the possession in the second half, the Prairie Fire still were able to strike early after the intermission. Jessica Peterson scored off of an assist from Yvette Rodriguez to take a 2-0 advantage.
• Illinois Tech's best chance at a goal came at the 76 minute mark. After a Knox yellow card, Kirsten Robinson fired one of her two shots on goal, hitting the bottom of the crossbar and ricocheting in front of the net. The Scarlet Hawks were unable to get a handle on the rebound, as Knox cleared out the threat.
• Tech would take two more shots the rest of the game, neither of them resulting in tallies.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Robinson led the Scarlet Hawks with four total shots and two shots on goal.
• Olivia Kochanek attempted two shots (both on goal).
• Katie Hoefgen tallied two shots, one of them on net.
• Anida Phetchanpheng recorded one shot on goal.
• Jessica Park recorded three saves (all in the first half) in just under 86 minutes.

Knox Notes

• Brown and Petersen tallied the goals, with Rodriguez tallying the lone assist.
• Rodriguez led the team with six shot attempts.
• Sierra Daniger recorded the shutout with six saves in just over 79 minutes.

Stats to Know

• Despite the defeat, the Scarlet Hawks attempted more shots on goal than the Prairie Fire, leading 6-5.
• Knox won the battle in overall shots (16-9).
• Knox recorded the only two yellow cards of the contest, both coming late in the second half.
• Fouls were even at 14.

Quote from Coach Roshane Ellison

• "We were unlucky tonight against a good Knox team. It's unfortunate we didn't get the desired result to open our season, but regardless, we saw many positive things we can build upon moving forward for the rest of the year."

Up Next

• Illinois Tech women's soccer will compete on Saturday on the road. The team will take on Trine University in Angola, Indiana at 3:00 p.m. central time. Live statistics will be available courtesy of Trine.