The ISU women's soccer team was defeated 4-0 by Purdue University Wednesday.

The Sycamores continued their away competition by traveling to face the Boilermakers.  The Sycamores entered the competition with two consecutive away victories against Murray State University and Southern Illinois University.

"Purdue is a very good team and will do well in the Big Ten this year," Erika True, ISU women's soccer head coach said.  "We play good teams like this to make us better and to learn from our mistakes now, instead of conference play."

Senior forward Jessica Rosenberg had an attempt on goal in the fourth minute of the first half but was saved by Purdue's goalkeeper.  

The Boilermakers went on the offense with a couple of free kicks going off target before making it on the scoreboard in the 18th minute.  The ball was lobbed over senior goalkeeper Emily Lahay for the first goal of the game.

"Letting in the second goal late into the first half took the wind out of our sails," True said.

The Boilermakers came out aggressively in the second half scoring within just seven minutes of play.  The pressure from the Purdue offense continued with another shot making the back of the net in the 63rd minute. 

The Sycamores managed only seven shots, four shots on goal compared to the Boilermakers 16 shots, 7 shots on goal.  Purdue led in corner kicks with 12 to ISU's one.  The loss placed the Sycamores 2011 season record to 3-5-0 overall.

"Our focus now is on our recovery and mentally preparing to get over the Purdue loss and moving into a confident state of mind as we wrap up our non-conference season," True said.

The Sycamores are back in action this Friday as they travel to Athens, Ohio to compete against Ohio University at 4 p.m.  Following a quick turn around the Sycamores will then travel to Oxford, Ohio to play Miami University (Ohio).

"We have another two tough games this weekend," True said. "We are going to learn from our last game and hopefully get back on track … Results over the weekend will help catapult us into conference play the following weekend."