By: The IC defense stood firm against numerous Lake Forest chances, but the Lady Blues couldn’t find the tying goal in the second half.
Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College women's soccer team kept the Lake Forest College offense in check throughout most of the match, however the Lady Blues couldn't muster much on the other end of the field and a debatable goal midway through the second half went the Foresters' way, allowing them to escape with a 1-0 victory on Senior Day at England Stadium. The Foresters improve to 6-8-2 (4-2-2 Midwest Conference) on the season, while IC falls to 3-14-0 (1-6-0 MWC).
The first chance of the match went to
Mackenzie Bedgood, but she pelted her effort high of the frame. Minutes later,
Charlotte Crofton was forced into her first save off of a shot by Mimi Vaintrub. Crofton made three saves in the first half, however she didn't have a lot to do as the shots that were on target were straight at her.
Lake Forest ended with an 11-7 advantage in shots in the first half, then took all 13 shots that were attempted in the second half. The law of averages was in the Foresters' favor and about 10 minutes after Crofton saved a shot at point-blank range from Charlotte Jackson, Lake Forest finally had its breakthrough. In the 64th minute, a ball swung in from the right side resulted in a collision between Crofton and Susie Baca. Though Crofton started with the ball, she lost possession after falling hard and Baca kicked it into the open net. No foul was called and the Foresters took the lead.
With Illinois College unable to mount any sustained offensive pressure, Lake Forest was able to hold on through the closing minutes to get the victory. Bedgood ended with a team-high three shots in the match, while
Ashley Sholmire added two.
Josie Garfat and
Morgan Lallish had the other IC shots. Crofton ended with eight saves on the afternoon.
Illinois College hosts its final match of 2017 on Monday afternoon, welcoming in Knox College for a 4:30 p.m. first kick.
