NORMAL, Ill. – University of Evansville sophomore forward Amy Velazquez's (Avon, Ind./Avon) first career goal in the 82nd minute Friday night helped UE rally for a 1-1 draw at Illinois State at Adelaide Street Field in Normal, Illinois. The match was the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both sides.
Velazquez collected a loose ball inside the penalty area and delivered a left-footed strike through a wall of Redbird defenders to net her first collegiate goal and help UE equalize the match at 1-1, after Evansville conceded a first-half own goal. The Purple Aces nearly left Normal with a win, but sixth-year midfielder Nicole Benati's strike from 30 yards out in the final minute just stayed above the crossbar.
Overall, Illinois State out-shot Evansville, 10-6, including holding a 4-2 edge in shots on goal. UE senior goalkeeper Myia Danek recorded four saves though to help Evansville earn its fourth draw of the year.
With the tie, both teams move to the top of the MVC standings with one point each, as UE and Illinois State were the first Valley teams to play a conference match this year. A majority of the Valley will be in action over the weekend for the first time in conference play. UE (0-3-4, 0-0-1 MVC) will now return home to Arad McCutchan Stadium to host reigning MVC regular-season champion Valparaiso on Thursday night. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. and Thursday's match can be seen live on ESPN+.
