Oct. 24, 2010

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois women's soccer team lost for the first time at Illinois Soccer Stadium on the season, falling to Penn State, 2-0, on Sunday with sustained winds of 30 miles per hour dictating the pace of the game. Freshman midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo led the Illini with six shots while senior goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka tallied eight saves in net, tying a season-high set at Cincinnati.

"The wind was creating havoc," said head coach Janet Rayfield of the day's playing conditions. "We made a decision to go against the wind in the first half. You never know how a decision like that is going to play out. In hindsight, you wish we hadn't [made that decision]. We were going to have to defend a half with the wind, whether it was the first or the second. The wind definitely created some opportunities for them and they put those opportunities away."

The Nittany Lions tallied their first goal 20 minutes into the contest as Jess Rosenbluth found Danielle Toney with a pass through the Illini defense. Toney placed her shot low and to the right, escaping the diving attempt by Kapicka. Slightly more than six minutes later, Penn State was able to double their lead as Hayley Brock earned the ball outside the box, dribbled to her right and fired a shot into the left corner of the net.

"We were a step behind defensively and they were a step ahead of us in terms of moving the ball," Rayfield said. "It was their physical energy, their fight and how hard they tackled - all of those things we didn't match today. You're not going to beat a Penn State team with the kind of talent they have if you don't bring that energy and competitive spirit."

Freshman midfielder Megan Pawloski and junior midfielder Jenna Carosio created the strongest Illini scoring opportunities in succession. In the 81st minute, Pawloski placed her second shot of the afternoon on frame; however, Penn State goalie Krissy Tribbett was able to snatch the ball out of the air before it could find the back of the net. Forty seconds later, Carosio placed her only shot of the afternoon on goal, but Tribbett was perfectly placed to block the attempt.

For the game, Penn State outshot the Illini, 23-13, while Illinois earned eight corner kick opportunities to the Nittany Lions' five. With sustained winds blowing from the south throughout the contest, each team dominated the statistics for one half. During the first half, with the wind at its back, Penn State was able to harass the Illini defense consistently, earning 20 shots during the opening frame. After switching sides, Illinois was able to outshoot the Nittany Lions, 11-3, throughout the final half.

"We didn't come out and do anything we wanted to," said senior co-captain and defender Danielle Kot of the Orange and Blue's production on the day. "We weren't very competitive and we didn't come out confident. We acted fatigued, Penn State could see that and they took advantage of it."

The Illini (11-3-1 overall, 4-2-1 Big Ten) will complete the road portion of their conference schedule in their next two matches. On Friday, Oct. 29, Illinois will travel to Michigan State for a 2 p.m. contest before heading to Michigan for a 2 p.m. match on Sunday, Oct. 31.