You couldn’t draw up the play any better if you tried.
On a night when Illinois State’s women’s soccer team honored fallen Army Ranger Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, his sister, Hannah, came off the bench and scored the game-winning goal.
It happened Friday night at ISU’s Adelaide Street Field, as the Redbird women took on University of Missouri-Kansas City. It was dubbed Local Heroes Night, with the Redbirds honoring Rodgers, the Bloomington soldier who was killed earlier this year while serving in Afghanistan.
All for you, Josh❤ #JRforever https://t.co/Puycm8ZCpG
— Hannah Rodgers (@hrodgers_2) September 30, 2017
His sister, Hannah Rodgers, is a senior forward for Illinois State.
"How tremendous for Hannah to score tonight,” said Redbird soccer coach Brad Silvey. “We are so happy for her. You couldn't draw it up any better: composed, calm, and finished. Props to her for accepting her role and maximizing the opportunities she had.”
Hannah tweeted a video of the goal, saying: “All for you, Josh. #JRforever.”
Birds Win! Hannah Rodgers scores on Local Hero Night, leading ISU to a 1-0 victory.@Redbird_Soccer // #BackTheBirds pic.twitter.com/zBoiNEppOt — RedbirdHD.tv (@RedbirdHDTV) September 30, 2017
Friday night's shutout put the Redbirds in second place in the Missouri Valley Conference, having only allowed 10 goals so far this season. They’re back in action Sunday at Western Illinois.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.
