by Eric Willuweit
Chicago, Ill. – The Illinois Tech women's soccer team found themselves in a quick 2-0 hole 17 minutes into the first half against conference unbeaten foe Concordia Wisconsin Saturday evening at Stuart Field. But a late first half goal by Jamie Griggs cut the Scarlet Hawks deficit in half, and a Kenzie Tokuchi goal nine minutes into the second half provided the equalizer in the Scarlet Hawks 2-2 draw with the Falcons. The Hawks moved their record to 2-1-1 in NACC play, and 7-2-1 overall. The Falcons moved to 3-0-1 in conference play, and 6-1-2 overall.
Despite the draw, the Scarlet Hawks thoroughly outplayed the Falcons, holding a 25-6 advantage in shots along with a 72% to 28% possession advantage.
How It Happened
- The Falcons wasted no time getting on the score board. A little over a minute into the match, Concordia's Isabella Rapp rolled a ball on net that Scarlet Hawks goalkeeper Hailey Flannagan dove to recover, but coincidental contact with a Falcons player caused the ball to kick out to Concordia's Isabel Downs. Downs fired a shot that Flannagan was able to stop while still down from the previous play. Unfortunately, the rebound from Downs' shot kicked out to Concordia's Sheridan Dorge, who buried the follow-up rebound for an early 1-0 Concordia lead.
- The Falcons extended their lead to 2-0 at the 17:02 mark of the second half. A free kick by Concordia's Carmen Rowe just inside the offensive zone was knocked down by the Falcons Downs and pushed to the right side. Concordia's Sabrina Moore raced down the side and fired high middle for her fourth goal of the season.
- The Scarlet Hawks finally got on the board with a 1:16 remaining in the half. A chip by Katelyn Holcomb at the top of the lacrosse zone was headed down by Tokuchi over to Griggs, who split two defenders and fired a right-footer just inside the left post to cut the Hawks deficit to 2-1.
- At 54:42 of the second half, the Scarlet Hawks netted the equalizer. Clàudia Martí Fanlo pushed a through ball to Kayla Smith rushing down the far side of the offensive zone. Smith sped towards the back line, stopped and centered to Tokuchi at the top of the box, who fired a right-footer in motion just inside the right post to tie the score at 2-2.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
- Tokuchi with the game-tying goal, and the assist on the Griggs goal. She finished with 4 shots and 3 shots on goal.
- Griggs with the Scarlet Hawks first goal.
- Smith with the helper on the Tokuchi goal, to go along with 4 shots and 1 shot on goal.
- Allison Murray led the Hawks with 5 shots and 4 shots on goal.
Inside The Box Score
- The Scarlet Hawks held a 25-6 advantage in shots.
- The Hawks had 13 shots on goal; the Falcons had 5 shots on goal.
- Fouls were even at 7 each.
- Concordia goalkeeper Brooke Braga finished with 11 saves on 13 shots on goal.
Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will go back on the road, as they head to Lisle, Ill. on Wednesday, September 28th, for a conference matchup with Benedictine at 7pm CT.