Aug. 16, 2006

ATHENS, Ohio - No. 13 Illinois rolled past Ohio 8-0 in its exhibition opener Wednesday behind three goals from freshman Chichi Nweke and two from rookie Courtney Bell. The Illini defense allowed just one shot on goal, giving it up in the final 30 seconds of the match.

"We were really dynamic offensively," Illinois coach Janet Rayfield said. "Our movement created some great opportunities and we finished well."

In addition to the goals by Nweke (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Bell (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), junior midfielder Kristy Weeks (N. Vancouver, B.C.), junior defender Kara Gostisha (West Chester, Ohio) and sophomore midfielder Marti Desjarlais (Pewaukee, Wis.) each scored a goal.

For the game, the Illini out-shot Ohio 22-6 and out-paced the Bobcats 18-1 in shots on goal. Illinois also out-cornered Ohio 8-2.

"Today we created a ton of chances and we finished them," Rayfield said. "Against Marquette it's going to be critical that we play with the same kind of rhythm but play much faster."

The Illini open their home season against No. 25 Marquette on Friday at 7 p.m. in the squad's final exhibition match. Admission is free and Friday is Little Illini Soccer Club Day.