Box Score TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – A slow start hurt SIUE women's soccer in a 2-0 season-opening loss at Indiana State Friday night.
"We didn't start as quickly as we would have liked," Head Coach Derek Burton said. "One of this team's goals this year is to have a better start (to games). We kind of let Indiana State establish the pace."
Shelby Troyer put the Sycamores up 1-0 in the 25th minute, when she hit a shot past goalkeeper Courtney Vonder Haar from 30 yards out. Marissa Windisch sealed the Cougars' fate with a free kick goal in the 88th minute. Freshman Jennifer Pelley allowed the second goal. Vonder Haar and Pelley split time between the pipes for SIUE. Vonder Haar made four saves in the first half. Pelley stopped two shots in the second half.
"Goalkeeping is an area we are continuing to evaluate," Burton added. "They are both strong in their own right. Right now they both deserve to play."
SIUE outshot Indiana State 13-12 in the match. Sycamore goalie Erin Martin made four saves for Indiana State.
"I don't always put a lot of stock into the shot totals," Burton said. "But tonight we had some real quality chances."
"In the second half we created a ton of chances," Burton continued. "Credit their goalkeeper who came up with a couple of great saves."
SIUE returns to open the home season Sunday against Northern Illinois. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
"I think it will be a good thing for us to get right back out there," Burton said. "And we're looking forward to playing at home."
