BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Western Illinois women's soccer team dropped its final exhibition match 4-0 to Illinois State on Tuesday (Aug. 11). The two teams played three 30-minute periods.

"They were better than us on the day aside from the middle thirty in which I thought we were better and should have scored," said head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "Overall, they deserved the result and we capitulated in manner that I did not appreciate."

The Fighting Leathernecks fell behind in the 23rd minute when the Redbirds scored their first goal. Kayla Kirkwood gave Western its first chance to get on the board in the 17th minute, but was unable to get the ball past the goal keeper.

Skyler Jessop and Michaela Cody recorded the Leathernecks' other two shots.
 
Victoria Kappel started in goal for the Leathernecks and recorded eight saves, including three straight saves in the 24th minute in the later part of the match. Lexi Harris also appeared in goal and recorded a save.

"On the day we simply didn't get it done and wasted a top performance from the goalkeepers," said Flogaites. "The goal they scored in which Victoria made three straight saves and they score on the fourth shot tells you everything you need to know. We have time to get it right."

The Purple and Gold open the 2015 regular season on Friday, August 21, at Milwaukee.