Sept. 5, 2010

Box Score

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Illinois women's soccer team earned its fourth win of the season on Sunday, taking down the Yale Bulldogs, 1-0. Jordan Hilbrands notched her third goal in as many games to lead the attack for the Orange and Blue.

"It was important to rebound from the disappointing result against Connecticut," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We battled today and I think the shutout victory was a critical goal for us to achieve."

Hilbrands, now tied with Vanessa DiBernardo for team lead in goals, put Illinois on the board in the 54th minute. Marissa Mykines directed a corner kick to Krystin Miller, whose header shot was blocked by the Bulldogs' goalie, Ayana Sumiyasu. Hilbrands, for the second consecutive game, headed in the rebound for the Illini's only goal and earned her first game-winning goal of the season. In notching the game-winner, Hilbrands became the second Illinois player to record a goal in three consecutive games during 2010, joining DiBernardo.

"This is a team with multiple weapons and, at any point in time, anyone could get on a roll," Rayfield said. "Teams will likely adjust and cover Jordan in the box on corner kicks and, in turn, we will continue to adjust and use all the weapons we have. The best thing is, we are finding different ways to score. "

Sophomore Steph Panozzo and senior Alexandra Kapicka split time in net, earning their third combined shutout on the season. Panozzo blanked the Bulldogs through the first half, making two saves. Kapicka closed the shutout with five saves over the final 45 minutes.

"In playing 90 minutes of soccer against a quality opponent such as Yale, goalkeeping is incredibly important," said Rayfield of the third shutout Kapicka and Panozzo have teamed to record. "Steph had one game-saving decision to stay back in goal and make a save and Alex tipped three shots over the cross bar to keep the shutout in line. This was a game where both teams earned opportunities and playing well in net was important for both sides."

Illinois (4-1-0) returns to action at Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 11 with a 6 p.m. contest.