Sept. 14, 2004
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini defense posted another hard-fought shutout as the Illini upset No. 8 Kansas 1-0 this afternoon at Illinois Soccer Stadium, marking the first time Illinois has defeated a top-10 opponent. The Illini backfield and goalkeeper Leisha Alcia combined for four saves, while forward Tara Hurless captured the Illinois career game-winning goals record with the lone score. The Rockford, Ill. native topped the old record of 12, set by Emily Brown in 2000.
With the win, the Illini look to take this momentum into this weekend, as they open Big Ten play against Michigan State and Michigan.
"Defensively we now know we can handle a good attacking team," said head coach Janet Rayfield. "The key is now that we do it consistently. We showed today what we are capable of. The Big Ten season will determine if we can do it day in and day out."
In the first half, the Illini attacked the Jayhawk defense, firing five shots and forcing four corner kicks. It was not until the 26:25 mark, that the Illinois frontrunners took advantage of a Jayhawk defensive breakdown when Ella Masar and Jessica Bayne gained control of a goalkeeper save, hitting Hurless in front of the goal for the game-winning score. While the Jayhawks matched up well against the Illini, firing five shots and earning three corner kicks the Illini defense cleaned up every scoring attempt made by Kansas.
As the Jayhawks looked to turn the tide in the second period, the Illini backfield seemed to only become stronger, limiting Kansas to three shots and one corner kick, while adjusting to the strategic changes Kansas made on the field.
"At about the 20 minute mark, (Kansas head coach Mark Francis) started to make some changes, so we started to make some changes," Rayfield comments. "Especially in a game like this, facing a tight team and a good attacking team, you're going to make adjustments playing the game to protect the lead. That's the great thing about scoring a goal early--you get to protect it."
Today's win marks the third shutout for goalkeeper Alcia, while the Illini have out-shot their opponents 111-47.
Up next: The Illini open the Big Ten season against Michigan State Friday at 3 p.m., then travel to Ann Arbor, meeting Michigan Sunday at Noon.
