Sept. 28, 2001

Final Stats

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The Fighting Illini women's soccer team traveled to Minnesota for the first Big Ten road game of the season. The Golden Gophers shut down the Illini, 2-0. Illinois is now 4-3 on the year, 2-1 in conference contests.

"They had two good opportunities with great finishes," head coach Tricia Taliaferro said. "We hit the crossbar a couple of times. We need to take some pieces from this and regroup for Evansville."

Illinois continued to create opportunities, outshooting the Gophers by a 26-6 margin. However, Minnesota goalkeeper Julie Eibensteiner stopped all 11 of the Illini's shots on goal. Rachel Roth attempted all three of the Gophers' shots on goal, connecting on two of them.

Freshman Tara Hurless had one of her shots go off the crossbar tonight. "It was more physical than usual and we have to get used to that," she said. "We had some chances, and we have to score next time."

Colleen Joyce, Christine Sinak and Tiffani Walker each attempted two shots on goal for the Illini.

"We created some chances for ourselves, but their goalkeeper had some great saves," junior forward Laura Freeman said. "It didn't turn out the way we wanted it to, but hopefully we can get a win on Sunday."

The Illini are on the road again on Sunday for a 2:30 p.m. contest at Evansville.