Sept. 21, 2001

Stats

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- For the first time in the program's history, the Illini beat Michigan tonight, 2-1, in an overtime affair at the Illini Soccer and Track Stadium. With the win in the Big Ten opener, the Illini are now 3-2 on the year.

Senior Colleen Joyce led the Illini offense. She scored Illinois' first goal with 40 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the contest at one and send the game into overtime. Just 2:33 into the extra period, Joyce nailed a penalty kick to send the Illini home victorious.

"It was amazing," Joyce said of hitting the two shots. "Tonight was a total team effort. With five minutes remaining in the second half we knew we had to step it up. Coach Taliaferro told me that if I was open, I should take the shot, and I did."

"I couldn't be prouder of the way we played as a team," head coach Tricia Taliaferro said. "Overall we played great. The competition in the Big Ten is always good, and it was great to start with a win."

As for the Illini's first victory over the Wolverines, Taliaferro added "It's great. It's one of those things that you look at on the schedule. There's a few more unbeatens on there, but we're taking the season one game at a time."

The lone Michigan goal was scored by Laurie Peterson at the 19:42 mark on an assist by Stephanie Chavez.

Overall, Illinois outshot Michigan 27-15. The Illini continued to pound the ball inside taking 12 shots on goal to Michigan's eight. The competition was a physical battle with 23 fouls being called, 12 against the Illini.

The Illini remain at home to host the Michigan State Spartans Sunday at 2 p.m.