DECATUR — The Carthage women's soccer team traveled to Millikin for the first conference matchup of the 2025 season. The Firebirds secured their first conference win of the season. This win secured the Firebirds' first win over the Big Blue since 2022. Additionally, this win secured the Firebrids' first CCIW opener win since 2021, and was the first 4+ goal game since 2021.
- Final score: Carthage 4 - Millikin 1
- Location: Decatur, Ill.
- Records: Carthage (5-4-2), Millikin (3-5-2)
- Carthage wasted little time breaking the scoreless match when, in the 11th minute, Emma Amberg found the back of the net from Ashley Gorder (1-0). The Firebirds kept the lead 1-0 going into the break.
- Shortly after the break, Amberg found the back of the net from a feed from Peyton Olinski in the 48th minute (2-0). Just 10 minutes later, Olinski struck the net, resulting in an unassisted goal (3-0).
- The Big Blue tried to break the Firebirds' lead with a goal in the 64th minute. However, the Firebirds struck right back, scoring in the 86th minute when Gorder fed Bella Fusco the ball, who found the net and secured the Firebirds' win 4-1.
- The Firebirds recorded 19 shots, with 12 of them on goal.
- The Carthage defense faced 16 shots, while Ainsley Stallworth recorded nine saves in goal.
The Firebirds return to action, at home against Illinois Wesleyan, on October 4 at 4 p.m. Carthage will recognize its 2025 senior class before the game. If you are unable to make it to the game, catch all the action live on our
Carthage Athletics YouTube page. For more information, visit our
athletics.carthage.edu.