Indiana women’s soccer entered Thursday’s game against Saint Louis University with a strong start in their early homestretch. The Hoosiers won their first two matches of the season and looked to continue their momentum, but a late goal by sophomore forward Audrey Smith handed the Billikens a 1–0 victory at Robert R. Hermann Stadium in St. Louis.
While the loss ended Indiana’s unbeaten streak, the Hoosiers’ defense and senior goalkeeper Sally Rainey were standout performers. They held what was the first team left from the coach's poll scoreless for majority of the match.
From the opening whistle, Indiana demonstrated defensive discipline. The Hoosiers’ back line remained organized under pressure, closing passing lanes and disrupting Saint Louis’s early attacks.
Throw-ins and corner kicks from Saint Louis were well-defended and cleared, with sophomore defender Haden Vlcek and senior defender Marisa Grzesiak stepping up to neutralize any proper offensive opportunities. Even when Saint Louis mounted promising attacks, Indiana’s defense absorbed the pressure, forcing off-target shots or blocking attempts.
When the shots were on target, Rainey was there to save them, finishing the match with an impressive save. She tallied five in total, which kept Indiana in a close battle throughout. Despite letting a perfect pass sneak just past her to a wide-open score for Smith and the Billikens, Rainey had been elite to start the year for Indiana. Thursday night was another showcase of her skill.
Early in the first half, Rainey stopped a point-blank shot from redshirt sophomore forward Lucie Schwartz and handled several crosses and corner kicks displaying her composure. She cut out Saint Louis’s best chances inside the box, stepping up to intercept passes and stop shots before they were taken.
Her intensity set the tone for the defensive battle Indiana posted in Robert R. Hermann Stadium and carried the momentum of an elite defensive start to the season for the team. Rainey’s five saves marked the most by an Indiana goalkeeper through the first three games of the season — an impressive feat that proved crucial in keeping the Hoosiers competitive until the final whistle.
Indiana’s two goals allowed throughout the season rank as the third lowest amount in the Big Ten, with only Illinois, Oregon and Rutgers allowing fewer scores over the span.
The match’s lone goal came in the 77th minute when Smith connected with a cross from freshman midfielder Caroline Chier and junior defender Eva Schreiber to score in the bottom left corner for Saint Louis. Despite the setback, Indiana’s defensive cohesion limited further damage, and Rainey’s continued presence in goal ensured that the deficit remained minimal.
Rainey’s last save of the night came late in the match when she left her spot in net, sprinted up and slid in front of the Saint Louis’ sophomore forward Hope Kim cut off the shot with just seconds to spare. Her effort saved a goal that surely would have sealed Indiana’s hopes of victory.
Though the Hoosiers ultimately came up short, the match showcased the team’s defensive identity and Rainey’s growing role as a difference maker in goal. Rainey’s debut as a starter after transferring from the University of Maine in January showed her poise, toughness and reliability under pressure — all qualities Indiana will lean on as Big Ten play approaches.
Indiana returns to action against Bellarmine University at 1 p.m. Aug. 31 at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium. The matchup will provide an opportunity for Indiana to bounce back and continue to build on the strong defensive foundation that has carried it through the opening stretch of the season.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to include sophomore forward Audrey Smith's position.
Follow reporters Noah Gerkey (@Noah_Gerk)and Will Kwiatkowski (@WKwiatkowski_15) for updates throughout the Indiana women's soccer season.
