Sept. 24, 1999

ANN ARBOR, MICH. -- One week ago Illinois came from a goal down in the second half to force overtime and defeat Minnesota. This afternoon, the 15th-ranked Illini were on the other end of the pendulum, as the host Michigan Wolverines downed Illinois, 2-1 in overtime.

"We played well at times and had our share of opportunities," said Illinois head coach Tricia Taliaferro. "Michigan was probably the best attacking team we've faced. We need to find a way to deal with it better the next time out."

The Illini's Emily Brown scored her ninth goal of the year on a full volley off a cross and an assist from Lindsay Johnson at the 40:22 mark of the first half. Brown has a four-match goal streak for the second time this season and has a pointin all nine of her team's matches. The Illini out-shot Michigan in the first half 9-7.

Although both teams had their opportunities in the second half, Michigan put the pressure on most of the second half, out-shooting the Illini 12-3. The 22nd-rated Wolverines finally scored with just 6:36 remaining in the match. Abby Crumpton fed Kacey Beitel, who booted the ball past Illinois goalkeeper Amy Bessette, who had a season-high seven saves on the afternoon.

Crumpton then scored the game-winner at 97:59, eight minutes in the first overtime to improve Michigan's record to 5-2-1 and 2-0-1 in the Big Ten.

"Michigan caught us on our heels a little bit," Taliaferro said. "Abby Crumpton is an excellent player and made some great moves to get past our defenders."

The Illini, who suffered their first Big Ten loss, fall to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in the league.

"The Big Ten is very even," said Taliaferro. "Two of our three matches have gone to overtime. I told the team after the match that it is still up to us to make it happen within the conference. Every team we play is beatable."

Illinois returns to action Sunday with a 1 p.m. match at Valparaiso, then travel to Michigan State (Oct. 1) and Northwestern (Oct. 3) next weekend.