Nov. 1, 2002
Final Stats
The Fighting Illini soccer team once again found the friendly confines of Illinois Soccer Field to be the cure for their scoring woes. After netting only one goal on 58 shots last weekend, the Illini exploded for four in Friday's 4-0 rout of Eastern Illinois (10-7-2). The victory moves UI to 7-10-1 overall and, more importantly, gives the Illini much-needed confidence heading into Sunday's showdown with #13 Purdue. Illinois needs a win over the Boilermakers to advance to the Big Ten Tournament next week.
Both teams came out flat in the chilly conditions on Friday night, as only four shots were fired in the first 30 minutes. However, Tiffani Walker changed all that in the 32nd minute with her fifth goal of the season. Sophomore Christine Sinak passed through the defense to Walker, who broke away and beat the EIU keeper high to put the Illini up 1-0. It was Sinak's first assist of the season.
Just a few minutes later at 35:18, Walker would add her second goal of the night and the rout was on. This time UI senior Tara Schuling passed up to Walker who once again used her speed to pull away from the defense and score in the lower left corner from eight yards out. It was Schuling's third assist this season and Walker's sixth goal.
After the halftime break, Illinois sophomore Tara Hurless added her 11th and 12th goals of the year to seal the victory. The first of Hurless' two scores was started by senior Rebecca Johnson. Johnson's cross from the right side found Paula Faherty, who then found Tiffani Walker. Walker touched to Hurless who hammered the ball into the upper left corner of the net at the 54:05 mark. Faherty was credited with her team leading fifth assist on the play and Walker with her third of the year.
Hurless' second goal of the night and her 12th of the season came when EIU keeper Lindsay Dechert punched the ball out of the goal area. The ball ended up at Hurless' feet who launched a shot into the lower left corner of the goal. With the goal, Hurless moved into sole possession of third place on the Illinois career goals list with 22.
Leisha Alcia and Rachel Frank combined for the shutout, the third of the year for the Illini. Alcia tallied three saves while Frank never faced a shot on goal. Panther goalkeeper Lindsay Dechert gave up all four Illinois goals, but did stop five shots on the evening.
Prior the game six Fighting Illini seniors, Tara Schuling, Hollie Schurr, Mary Nitsche, Laura Freeman, Rebecca Johnson and manager John Chin were all recognized for their dedication and contributions to the Illinois soccer family. Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield was very vocal about the contributions of the six seniors.
"The seniors have essentially been a part of the program from the start," said Rayfield. "The traditions and the mentality and the heart of this program is in that class. They've been great about maintaining their traditions and allowing [the new coaching staff] to come in and bring what we've offered to the program. They've been loyal to the program, they've been accepting of change and willing to do what we ask them to, even during a tough year. I can't say enough about how mature and just what a great attitude they've had through the whole process."
"Tara Schuling came to me today and said 'We want to get up big because we want this to be team recognition night',"continued Rayfield. "I think that's credit to her leadership and a credit to our seniors because they wanted everyone to be a part of their night."
The Orange and Blue improved their home record to 6-2-0 this season with the win. This Sunday they will play their final game at Illini Soccer Field against Purdue with a Big Ten Tournament Berth on the line. Coach Rayfield feels that playing on their home turf Sunday will do nothing but help the Illini.
"It feels good to finish some goals and get everybody in the game," said Rayfield. "We will definitely take the confidence that we can score goals in to Sunday's game. Whatever the reason, we seem to be able to put the ball in the back of these nets on our home turf. The good thing is Sunday we're going to be here. It's do or die but it's also one of those things where there are a lot of teams playing this weekend and the games mean nothing. Fortunately for us, we've at least been good enough this year that this game means something and we just have to go out and play like it and play with as much heart as our seniors have show us for four years."
Up Next: The Illini close out the regular season vs. #13 Purdue on Sunday at 5 p.m. The Fighting Illini's Big Ten Tournament hopes hinge on the game, which will be played at Illinois Soccer Field.
