Oct. 8, 2008
Iowa, Minnesota Game Notes 
#16 Illinois at Iowa
Friday, Oct. 10 • 7 p.m.
Iowa Soccer Complex • Iowa City, Iowa
Gametracker available
#16 Illinois at Minnesota
Sunday, Oct. 12 • 1 p.m.
Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Just For Kicks
Illinois is...
...58-42-9 in the Big Ten regular season
...47-24-7 in the Big Ten under Rayfield
...outscoring opponents 11-2 in last 6 games
The Streak Continues
Illinois is virtually unstoppable on its home turf, extending the unbeaten streak to 13 games in a row at the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium, including a 6-0 record this season. During the span, the Illini have shut out 12 opponents, including the last five straight. The Orange and Blue also are undefeated in their last nine home matches against Big Ten opponents.
Masar Movin On Up
Former Illini forward Ella Masar was picked ninth overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the Women's Professional Soccer draft on Monday. Masar, an Urbana native, is the first Illini soccer player in history to be drafted. She will reunite with former associate head coach Marcia McDermott who is the General Manager of the Red Stars.
Illinois-Purdue Picked as BTN Wildcard
Illinois soccer will have a chance to showcase one of the best atmosphere's and most dominant home streaks in collegiate soccer when the Big Ten Network comes to Champaign for the second year in a row. The Illini's matchup with Purdue on Friday, Oct. 31, has been selected to air live on the national network. The game time has been changed from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CT).
Atop The Hilbrands
Sophomore forward Jordan Hilbrands busted out her first career goal at just the opportune moment, notching the game-winner with just under 12 minutes left in Illinois' 1-0 victory over Michigan. Hilbrands became the ninth different Illini to tally a goal this season.
Sometimes You Feel Like a Knut
Sophomore forward Laura Knutson just keeps finding ways to feed the ball to her teammates. Despite missing three games with an injured ankle, Knutson immediately made an impact in her first game back when she assisted on the game-winning goal in Illinois' 1-0 victory over Michigan. The Crystal Lake, Ill., native leads the team with five assists.
Takin It EZ
Senior defender Emily Zurrer raked in three weekly honors for her outstanding play in Illinois' pair of shutouts against Michigan State and Michigan. The Vancouver, B.C., native was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, in addition to earning team of the week honors from Top Drawer Soccer, Soccer Buzz and Soccer America. Not only did Zurrer play a critical role on the back line, but she also got in on the offensive action as she notched her third goal of the season against the Spartans.
Mykines Making Marks
Freshman forward Marissa Mykines added her second goal of the season and the first game-winner of her career against Michigan State. It also marked the first Big Ten goal of her career.
Cheers for Chichi
Junior forward Chichi Nweke continued her offensive tear against Michigan State, tallying her team-leading fifth goal of the season. Of Nweke's five goals, three have been game-winners.
Iowa At a Glance
The Hawekeyes are coming off back-to-back wins over Indiana and North Dakota State. Iowa has spread the majority of its attack amongst three players, including leading goal-scorer Alyssa Cosnek with seven goals. Keli McLaughlin and Stephanie Hyink each have four tallies on the season, while Morgan Showalter leads the team with eight assists.
Minnesota at a Glance
The Gophers also are coming off a victory over Indiana, topping the Hoosiers, 1-0, in their only competition last weekend. Minnesota is led by Lindsey Schwartz and Katie Bethke, with six and four goals, respectively. Molly Rouse leads the team with six assists. In addition, goalkeeper Lindsey Dare has produced 10 shutouts and allowed four goals throughout the season.
