Aug. 12, 2012
UKvsILL Box 
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois soccer team emerged victorious Sunday afternoon in their final exhibition tune-up of the season by earning a 2-1 decision over the visiting Kentucky Wildcats. Senior captain Kristen Gierman and junior Megan Pawloski netted the Illini's two goals while senior Steph Panozzo protected the lead by producing a huge day in goal.
After 30 minutes of a back-and-forth possession battle between the Illini and the Wildcats, Illinois secured a penalty kick when freshman Nicole Breece got knocked down inside the penalty area. Kristen Gierman stepped up to the challenge and placed the ball into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Almost mid-way through the second period, Illinois struck again. Freshman Taylore Peterson chipped the ball from half-field to the middle-top portion of the 18-yard box. Then, Megan Green dummied the ball, freeing up space for Megan Pawloski. With just the goalie to beat, Pawloski touched the ball to her right side and delivered the ball to the net for the 2-0 lead.
Kentucky got on the scoreboard thanks to Kelly Hubly who registered 11 total shots in today's game. In the 71st minute, Hubly dribbled into the Illini box, cut around a defender, got her initial shot blocked by Panozzo, but collected the rebound and struck again for their lone goal of the game.
Goalkeeper Steph Panozzo made sure the Illini would walk away with a win on their home turf, recording 15 saves in the exhibition. With Kentucky pressing in the second half, Panozzo produced several point blank saves, including one where she out-chased a Kentucky forward and dove at a slow dribbling ball just inches away from crossing the goal line.
Illinois totaled 16 shots on the day, including six on goal. In addition, the Illini defense was tested on set pieces this afternoon but successfully denied each of the Wildcats eight total corner kicks.
"In terms of exhibition games we couldn't ask for anything better with an opponent like Kentucky. They certainly put a lot of pressure on us in the final 20 minutes, for we were really forced to dig in and try to get that result. Steph Panozzo was really great for us in goal," said interim head coach Jeff Freeman. "I'm really looking forward to this week coming up. We have some things to fine tune and players to get healthy, and I'm excited to kick off the season next Friday night at home."
Illinois officially jumpstarts their season Friday, Aug. 17, at home against Western Michigan at 7 p.m. CT. The Illini's season opening weekend continues next Sunday, Aug. 19, when they travel to Illinois State for a 1:00 p.m. CT matchup.
