Pekin 2, Peoria Christian 2

PEKIN - Host Pekin was looking to tie a program record with its 11th girls' soccer victory in a season, but was forced to settle for a 2-2 tie with Peoria Christian Tuesday at Coal Miners Park.

The Chargers struck quickly, scoring just 40 seconds into the game when Amber Christ found Kelli Dixon wide open just outside the 18. Dixon hit a perfect shot over the outstretched arm of Dragons keeper Morgan Lynn for the 1-0 lead.

“It was a good shot, but she was totally unchallenged,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “We can't let that happen.”

Pekin struggled to get anything going on the offensive end until five minutes left in the half. A Peoria Christian foul led to a Pekin free kick. Lindsay Coffey played a ball across the front of the goal where senior Rebecca Anderson was able to send home her first career goal.

“I think for Becca to score on senior night was pretty special,” Sandoval said. “I couldn't have written the script for a better performance in her last home game.”

The Dragons couldn't keep it tied for long as the Chargers' Megan Stuff scored just two minutes later, sending Peoria Christian into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half was a much different story. Pekin outshot Peoria Christian 8-1 with the most important shot coming three minutes into the half.

Shawna Swisher lofted a ball from the left side where Lauren Cash was able to get a head on it for the equalizer.

“It was a much better second half,” Sandoval said. “We kept the ball in their end for most of it and got several chances.”

Pekin's first-round game at the Morton Regional is May 14 vs. Limestone.

The Dragons go into the playoffs bitten by the injury bug, with McGurr and Emily LaBanca unable to play more than a few minutes Tuesday night and junior defender Jessica Allen's status in doubt as well.

“Hopefully we can use the next week to get healthy and rested,” Sandoval said. “While we went 3-0-2 in our last five, we only played really well in one of those games. We need to rediscover our midseason form.”

The Dragons finish the regular season 10-6-3 (4-6-2 in conference, 6-0-1 in non-conference matches). It is the second most wins in a season ever by a Pekin girls soccer team and just the second winning season in the program's 12 years.