Oct. 3, 1999

Evanston, Ill. -

The day wasn?t pleasant -- winds howling off Lake Michigan at 25 MPH, a horizontal rain blowing into the players? bench, and for the Illini an early 2-0 deficit to Northwestern, who entered play 0-5 in the Big Ten. But a determined Illini team rallied to tie the score late in the second half, and escaped with a 2-2 tie.

?We didn?t come here to tie certainly,? said Illinois coach Tricia Taliaferro. ?But I?m proud of how we regrouped and didn?t give up.?

This was the second time that an Illinois team has rallied from down 2-0. Against Missouri, the Illini scored with just 1:02 left to force overtime, only to lose 3-2.

Although Emily Brown again impressed fans with her head and feet, Sunday it was sophomore Lindsay Johnson?s turn to dazzle the drenched fans along Lake Michigan. Johnson, who has been improving each week, took on two defenders and nailed the tying goal just over the head of Northwestern?s Emily Oluksiuk with just 2:53 left in the match.

Both teams had opportunities in the extra session, but neither team was able to score. That marked the first tie in Illinois soccer history.

Northwestern scored two goals within five minutes of each other to put Illinois in that two-goal hole. Brooke Bell?s walk-in goal at 17:34 was followed quickly by Sara Berline?s header into the net from a Kristen Palmer corner kick.

Illinois came out in the second half with more resolve and controlled most of the second half. Lisa Baldwin, who returned after missing three games with a dislocated kneecap, dribbled in and punched the ball into the net after an entry pass from teammate Hollie Schurr.

The match was Illinois? fifth overtime of the year. The Illini are 1-3-1 in extra sessions in 1999.

The Illini return to action Friday at home against Ohio State.