Aug. 22, 2004

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Senior Tara Hurless scored two goals and sophomores Jessica Bayne, Eva Strickland, and Brittany Ward added one goal apiece in Illinois' 5-0 rout of the Illinois Eclipse Select U16 team Saturday at the Illinois Soccer Stadium. The victory wraps up exhibition play for the Illini before they open the regular season against Missouri next weekend. The first goal of the night came courtesy of Jessica Bayne at 11:23 mark in the first half, when Laura Redmond found her twenty yards out on the right side with an open look for the score. In the 28th minute, senior Andrea Ridgeway tallied an assist with a feed to Hurless 15 yards out for her first of two goals tonight. The second half displayed a more organized Illini squad, leaving the Eclipse Select with very few scoring opportunities. The second Illini goal came in the 55th minute through a collective effort among the Illini frontrunners that kept the Eclipse Select defense from clearing the ball away from the goal, giving Strickland an easy score. Ward recorded a goal due to a high pass from fellow sophomore Quinn Reynolds at the 73:41 mark, and Hurless' second goal of the night came unassisted 20 yards out on the right side in the 83rd minute. "I was pleased with the effort put forth by the team tonight," said Head Coach Janet Rayfield. "They came into tonight's match with less energy due to some tough workouts we've had recently. I think they were challenged more psychologically by playing on tired legs, which they responded to quite well." The Illini out-shot the Eclipse Select 14-6, eight of which were on goal. Goalkeeper Leisha Alcia came up with the win and recorded four saves on the night. Up next: The Illini open the regular season against the Missouri Tigers Sunday, August 29th at 1 p.m. at the Illinois Soccer Stadium.