Chicago, Ill. — Through the first 30 minutes plus in Wednesday night's Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Women's Soccer Tournament semifinal match at Stuart Field, the visiting Dominican Stars were frustrating the host Scarlet Hawks, packing the defensive zone and doing their best to keep the Hawks' on the perimeter. But a great individual by the Hawks'
Taylor Hernandez changed all that, when she scored one minute after subbing into the game in the 38th minute, giving the Hawks the edge they needed to build momentum en route to a 4-0 victory over the Stars, and securing their place in the NACC Championship game this Saturday at home.
Illinois Tech improved to 18-1-1 overall. The Stars finish their season at 12-6-1 overall.
Illinois Tech started the first half with strong offensive pressure, registering multiple shots on goal early in the game.
Kayla Thomas,
Kayla Smith, and
Tvesa Vathulya each tested Dominican's goalkeeper, Gianna Stanek, but were unable to find the back of the net. The team continued to press, earning several corner kicks which maintained the attacking momentum.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Hernandez, after cutting inside to her right, eluded three defenders, went to her left and fired a shot into the top left corner, giving the Scarlet Hawks a 1-0 lead. The Hawks continued to dominate possession and created numerous chances, while the defense limited Dominican's opportunities, maintaining the advantage. The half concluded with Illinois Tech leading 1-0.
The second half began with Illinois Tech extending their lead. Thomas found the back of the net in the 51st minute on a feed from Smith, pushing the score to 2-0. Illinois Tech continued to apply pressure, and the Hawks were able to capitalize again in the 67th minute, this time with Smith providing on
Gabriella Baltes goal off a corner kick, making it 3-0 Illinois Tech.
Illinois Tech maintained offensive momentum throughout the half, and
Mary Frampton capitalized on a penalty kick in the 84th minute, securing a commanding 4-0 advantage. The home team controlled the remainder of the half, closing out the match with a strong defensive effort and maintaining the 4-0 victory.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Taylor Hernandez
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- one goal
- one game-winning goal
- two shots
- one shot on goal
Kayla Smith
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- two assists
- six shots
- one shot on goal
- 80 minutes played
Kayla Thomas
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- one goal
- four shots
- three shots on goal
Gabriella Baltes
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- one goal
- two shots
- one shot on goal
- 90 minutes played
Mary Frampton
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- one goal
- three shots
- two shots on goal
- 90 minutes played
Kayla Hampton
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- 90 minutes played
- one save
- one shutout
Dominican Top Performers
Gianna Stanek
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- 9 saves
- 90 minutes played
Sierra Rioux
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- 1 shot
- 1 shot on goal
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 5-9 overall versus the Stars and has won the last four consecutive matches.
- The Scarlet Hawks outshot the Stars 28-1, and held a 13-1 shots on goal advantage.
Up Next
Illinois Tech will host Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday, November 8th, at noon at Stuart Field for the NACC Women's Soccer Championship, a rematch of last year's tournament final.
