Southeast’s soccer team was back home under the Friday night lights at Houck Field with a warm crowd that helped the Redhawks’ momentum as the team cruised to victory against the visiting Eastern Illinois University Panthers 3-0.

Sophomore Esmie Gonzales scored twice before closing out the first half. Gonzales’ first goal was a tough kick that found the back of the net through traffic.

She immediately followed up with a deflected kick that ended up through the post into the back of the net to put the Redhawks up 2-0 before the break.

Junior, Lauren Kaempfe kicks the ball away from a Panther defender during the Oct.11 soccer game.Photo by Josh Dodge

It was a defensive struggle early in the game until Southeast started to execute movement and communication, which changed the game.

The officials were allowing some physical play and that play was how the Redhawks started to dominate the game. Gonzales’ goals came on four attempts while Senior Shelby Beussink had four shots with one goal assisted by Sophomore Jasmin Hilliard.

“It feels great with this win tonight,” Beussink said. “We haven’t played at home much this season and to get this win really boosts our confidence and we are looking forward to Sunday.”

Senior, Maddy Cornell brings the ball into play on Oct.11 against Eastern Illinois.Photo by Josh Dodge

Both players agreed working as a team on and off the ball was the key to this game. They feel that is important no matter if you are on the field or the bench cheering the team on.

“This win was amazing and we played great as a team,” Gonzales said. “I could not have scored those goals without my team because one person can’t do it all. I can’t wait to play again on Sunday.”

The recovery from this game starts right after the match to prepare for Sunday.

Junior, Maddi Karstens takes the ball away from an Eastern Illinois attacker on Oct.11.Photo by Josh Dodge

“We have ice baths right after this interview,” Beussink said. “Coach really puts on us the recovery after games. It’s no room to have a big head after a big win like this. The confidence needs to carry over for Sunday.”

It was a defensive struggle prior to those two quick goals that enabled the Redhawks to carry a 2-0 lead into the half. The team would need to come out aggressively to prevent the Panthers from gaining any momentum to make the game within reach.

“Everyone knows that in soccer 2-0 is the scariest part of the game,” Beussink said. “The next goal kind of determines where each team is going to go. We came out and scored another goal to secure the win.”

Southeast plays at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at Houck Field.

Sophomore, Esmie Gonzales takes the ball downfield against the Panthers during the Oct.11 soccer game.Photo by Josh Dodge