Indiana women’s soccer returned to Bill Armstrong Stadium on Sunday, losing 2-0 to St. Louis. The game was an intense matchup for forward Summer Fishel, who transferred from St. Louis to Indiana this past spring semester.
St. Louis gained possession early, and within minutes, referees gave St. Louis forward Audrey Smith a yellow card for taking down Indiana defender Blair Satterfield with a slide. Indiana had to fight to keep their back line in shape as the Billikens kept picking up pressure for the Hoosiers. Midfielder Kennedy Neighbors pushed into the box but it was ultimately deflected, and defender Bella Haggerty’s attempt to get an early goal was also prevented by the St. Louis goalkeeper.
Indiana kept momentum on the St. Louis side of the field, with Amaya Falzarano and Haggerty delivering key defensive plays that prevented an early Billikens goal. More aggressive plays came from midfielders Maggie Ledwith and Jenna Chatterton that combined their skills to move the ball back into scoring territory.
The Hoosiers earned multiple free-kick opportunities throughout the first half after battling hand fighting from the Billikens. Ledwith took a free kick but it was deflected off a St. Louis player, setting up a corner, and another foul with 19 minutes remaining gave Indiana an additional chance at a goal that didn’t pan out.
After a hydration break in the middle of the half, momentum changed. St. Louis increased its pace, forcing Indiana to respond quickly. Ledwith connected with forward Emily Graham inside the box, but Graham's shot went wide. With five minutes left, Indiana goalkeeper Dani Jacobson made a diving save to prevent a St. Louis goal attempt, sending the match into halftime scoreless.
Both teams opened the second half with increased urgency. Defender Piper Coffield immediately made an impact with her quick defensive plays, but St. Louis broke through in the 48th minute when Leah Simpson scored past Jacobson. After a brief deliberation on a potential offside, the goal stood. Falzarano attempted a goal but it was barely tipped off from St. Louis keeper Pepper Escher. The Billikens tried to score another goal with 37 minutes left in the half, but were stopped by an offsides call.
With 10 minutes left, Smith added a second goal for St. Louis after an extended battle in the middle. Even with the Hoosiers being down 2-0, Jacobson kept the goal controlled, preventing many goals from St. Louis. The Hoosiers forced 10 St. Louis fouls, and Neighbors, Haden Vicek and Coffield played the full 90 minutes. The final score was 2-0, making this Indiana’s second non-conference loss.
Indiana will return to action on Sept. 6, against Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
