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University of Illinois Athletics

Team Huddle Illinois Soccer vs. Nebraska - 2015
1
Illinois ILL (10-6-3, 4-4-3)
3
Winner Penn State PSU (14-3-2, 8-2-1)
Illinois ILL
(10-6-3, 4-4-3)
1
Final
3
Penn State PSU
(14-3-2, 8-2-1)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Illinois ILL 0 1 1
Penn State PSU 3 0 3

Game Recap: Soccer |

Illini Drop Hard-Fought Battle in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal at Penn State

Marbury scores Illinois’ lone goal in loss at Penn State

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University Park, Pa. - Fighting Illini sophomore Kara Marbury scored her seventh goal of the season on Sunday, but that wasn't enough to lift Illinois over No. 1 seed Penn State in Sunday's Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal match. The No. 8 seed, Illinois fell to the Nittany Lions, 3-1 at Jeffrey Field. The Illini fall to 10-6-3 on the season, while Penn State advances to face Michigan in the Big Ten Semifinal round. 

Penn State was on the attack right from the start, firing eight shots before the Illini could switch things around. The Illini defense remained strong, however, making it hard for the Nittany Lions to penetrate their line. Senior Nicole Breece was able to get a shot at the Penn State goal, but PSU quickly retaliated and found the back of the net. The shot would be UI's only shot of the half. 

Penn State took the 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute, scoring off of a corner kick play. Junior Claire Wheatley made the save, but the Nittany Lions were able to capitalize ofd of the rebound. Penn State would add one more goal before the half, taking a 3-0 lead into the break. 

The Illini stayed tough throughout the second half, keeping the Nittany Lions scoreless after the break. The Illini really put the pressure on late in the half, and it paid off as Kara Marbury found the back of the net for the Illini in the 77th minute. Junior Allison Stucky crossed the ball into the box for Marbury and she was able to get it past the Penn State keeper for the 3-1 score.

Illinois kept the pressure on, fighting to keep the ball inside the Penn State box at the end of the second half. Despite the energy surge, Penn State remained on top. Illinois was able to get eight shots off in the half, putting three on goal. The Illini forced Penn State offsides five times in the game, and held the Nittany Lions to just seven shots on goal. 

The 2015 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship 64-team bracket will be announced on Nov. 9 at 3:30 p.m. CT. on NCAA.com. The first round of play will be held at 32 campus sites. 

Stay tuned to FIGHTNGILLINI.com for all the latest on Fighting Illini Soccer.

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