Sept. 14, 2007

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois soccer team knocked off the No. 9-ranked Florida Gators with a 1-0 victory in front of 1,264 fans, the second largest crowd in history, at the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium on Friday. Senior forward Ella Masar broke up the stalemate in the 84th minute as she flew past the Gator defense and punched in a shot inside the 18-yard box for her fourth goal of the season.

As the two teams battled through the first half, the Illini picked up steam and began to take control on both sides of the ball. Illinois (3-2) held a 10-2 shot advantage and out-cornered the Gators, 5-1, at halftime. Although neither team was able to capitalize on key opportunities through the first period, head coach Janet Rayfield was impressed with her team's performance against Florida (3-2).

"I think the first half [against Florida] might have been the best soccer we have played so far this season," Rayfield said. "Against a really solid team, we played good defense and were able to create scoring opportunities."

Both teams turned up the intensity in the second period, battling in the midfield for control of the ball. Rayfield and the Illini had made defensive adjustments throughout the week leading up to Friday's match and those adjustments paid off as the Orange and Blue continued their stifling defense through the second period.

"We made an adjustment to have more of a defense presence at midfield and not at the back," Rayfield said. "Our shape and communication was better in the back tonight. Also, dropping to keep them in front of us really improved our defense [against Florida]."

The Illini also continued to pressure the Gator defense, nearly taking the lead in the 73rd minute after a Florida foul. Masar took the free kick and her shot ricocheted off the Gator wall in front of the goal. Junior forward Jessica Levitt took control of the ball on the rebound and fired a shot, but Gator goalkeeper Katie Fraine dove to her left for the save.

The Orange and Blue offensive attack paid off in the 84th minute when Masar took control of a loose ball on the left flank. After beating her defender, Masar drew Fraine from between the posts in a one versus one, then fired a shot into the back of the net to give the Illini a 1-0 edge. The goal marked Masar's eighth career game-winner, tying her for fourth in the Illinois record book.

The Illini finished their dominating performance with a 14-5 shot advantage and 8-3 corner advantage over the Gators. Fraine had six saves, while Illinois goalkeeper Lindsey Carstens, behind a solid Illinois defense, had one save.

Illinois will take a break from action on Sunday before hitting the road against another tough opponent, facing the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. The Illini will travel to Indiana State on Sunday, Sept. 23 for a 1 p.m. match before opening Big Ten play on the road against Ohio State and Penn State. The Orange and Blue return home on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. for a matchup against Minnesota.