Aug. 12, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Illinois soccer team notched an exhibition tie at the University of Missouri, 1-1, on Friday afternoon. Sophomore Vanessa DiBernardo (Naperville, Ill./Waubonsie Valley) recorded the lone Illini goal on the game to earn the draw.
"We got exactly what we wanted from a preseason exhibition tie today," Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield said of the only exhibition contest on the fall slate. "We were able to face a very talented Missouri squad and defend them well. It also proved to be a great opportunity to show the newcomers what the college game is about."
Missouri notched the first goal of the contest in the 55th minute, with Danielle Nottingham providing the tally; however, the Illini offense was able to respond immediately. Redshirt-sophomore Jannelle Flaws (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) earned a breakaway attempt in the 64th minute, with DiBernardo placing home Flaw's deflected shot for the equalizing goal. DiBernardo's goal also secured the second consecutive exhibition tie with the Tigers, as Illinois and Missouri played to a 2-2 draw in Champaign, Ill., prior to the 2010 regular season.
The Illini open their competitive slate at Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium on Friday, Aug. 19, with a 7 p.m. CT contest against Gonzaga. The Orange and Blue will also host Toledo during the season-opening homestand, challenging the Rockets at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 21. Admission to all Illini home games will be free during the 2011 regular season.
