Oct. 15, 2004

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A second half header by sophomore defender Sarah Brown lifts No. 24 Illinois over Purdue. The Illini, who remain unbeaten at Illinois Soccer Stadium, improve to 11-4 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. Purdue, who has yet to win a game on the road, falls to 7-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference.

"I thought we responded to not playing a great first half and we played much better in the second half," said head coach Janet Rayfield. "Maybe coming off two losses, the fear of losing is in your head, but we did respond in the second half and hopefully the win will give us some confidence and we'll come out Sunday ready to play."

The Illini were first to get on the board in the 21st minute courtesy of sophomore forward Jessica Bayne, who was able to take advantage of a pass from defender Christen Karniski and forward Ella Masar. With the score, Bayne improves to eight goals on the season.

Purdue answered back when freshman forward Parrisa Eyorokon scored an unassisted goal from three yards out in the 24th minute. Goalkeeper Leisha Alcia missed a save and Eyorokon was right there to capitalize on the error and even the game.

The match remained 1-1 until deep into the second half when sophomore defender Sarah Brown recorded her first goal of the season with a header to the back of the net off a corner kick by Tara Hurless. The score also serves as Brown's first collegiate game-winning goal.

Illini goalkeeper Leisha Alcia made four saves, allowing one goal for the win, while the loss goes to Purdue keeper Maureen Carey who allowed one goal and made two saves.

Up Next: The Illini return to the Illinois Soccer Stadium Sunday where they will celebrate senior day before a 2 p.m. matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers.