Oct. 26, 2007

Box Score

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Senior forward Ella Masar tallied two goals to lead the Illinois soccer team to its 10th shutout of the season with a 2-0 victory over the Michigan Wolverines on a rainy Friday night at the U-M Soccer Field. With the two goals, Masar now has a team-leading 10 goals this year, surpassing her single-season high of nine goals in 2006.

The Illini (10-5-1, 5-3-1 Big Ten) out-shot their opponent for the 13th time this season, holding a 15-13 advantage over the Wolverines (3-9-4, 1-5-3 Big Ten). Michigan out-cornered Illinois, 6-3.

"Offensively we played pretty well," Rayfield said. "Levitt was really dangerous for us tonight, which helped open up [Masar]. We also defended well in the box. Michigan is dangerous on set pieces and I thought we did a good job of defending against those inside the box."

Illinois broke up the stalemate at 39:09 after junior forward Jessica Levitt stole the ball and passed wide to Masar on the far side of the box. Masar split two defenders before taking a touch from the far post and netting a shot for the eventual game-winning goal. The goal marked Masar's fifth game-winner this season, tying her single-season high of five from last season.

"To get that goal really changed the game in our favor," Rayfield said. "That goal was typical of the way Levitt played all night. She was able to hold the ball and spin against her defender to create an opportunity, and [Masar] finished that opportunity. It was an important turnaround because it changed the momentum. It was good for our confidence, and it puts you in different position when you're up by a goal."

Masar struck again in the 54th minute on a pass from junior defender Emily Zurrer. Zurrer served the ball behind Michigan's defense as Masar charged down the field, beating Wolverine goalkeeper Madison Gates to the ball as she notched her 10th goal of the season. The pair of goals marks Masar's second multi-goal game of the season.

Illinois goalkeeper Lindsey Carstens delivered another solid performance, with four saves en route to her ninth shutout of the season, 26th of her career. Carstens made a crucial stop in the first half, getting a hand on a rocket shot from 20 yards out off the foot of Wolverine midfielder Kristin Thomas. The West Chester, Ohio, native collected another key save in the second half with a diving stop to preserve the Illini's 2-0 win.

"With the weather, both teams were looking to shoot long range," Rayfield said. "That's why [Carstens'] play was so important, because they have players with great long-range shots. We needed her to play big tonight and she did."

The Illini finish the regular season on Sunday, traveling to Michigan State for an 11 a.m. match. Illinois will break from action next weekend before the Big Ten Tournament begins on Thursday, Nov. 8 in Minneapolis, Minn.