Sept. 2, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Senior defender Emily Zurrer earned Soccer America Team of the Week honors after heading in the golden goal against Dayton to propel Illinois to a 1-0 victory in the championship game of the Illini Challenge Cup. It was Zurrer's first game back in the Orange and Blue since she returned from the Olympics in Beijing where she started every game on the back line for the Canadian Women's National Team.

It is the fourth time in her career that Zurrer has received the weekly honor from Soccer America.

The Illini defense allowed Dayton just one shot on goal through the entire match. Zurrer came off the bench for the second time in her career and played 72 minutes in the match. The Vancouver, B.C. native tallied the game-winner in the 96th minute after the two teams reached a scoreless draw at the end of regulation.

Illinois hits the road this weekend, traveling to the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic in Knoxville, Tenn. The Illini will take on Washington State on Friday at 4:30 p.m. (CT) before facing the host Lady Vols on Sunday at 1 p.m. (CT).