COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Senior Allison Stucky netted her second goal of the season Thursday night, as the Illini fell 3-1 at Maryland. The Illini outshot the Terrapins16-9 but could not overcome Maryland's early goals in the match. Illinois falls to 3-8-0 on the season and 0-3-0 in Big Ten play.
"It takes everything you have to win a game - defense, play making, shooting - and most of all it takes heart," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Unfortunately tonight we started the game without the most important piece and it cost us the game. Our resolve is being tested like never before, losing is hard. We must fight back and rally and be willing to risk feeling the pain in order to feel the joy of victory."
The match escalated quickly on Thursday night as the Terrapins netted two goals within the first five minutes of play. Illinois, however, quickly responded with a goal in the ninth minute from Stucky. The senior capitalized on a missed clearance by Maryland, placing her shot to the far post, just out of reach of the Maryland goalkeeper. The score marks the ninth of her career. Maryland went on to take a 3-1 advantage over the Illini with another goal in the 24th minute.
The Orange and Blue fired five first half shots putting two of those on goal. Four different Illini took a shot before the break, led by sophomore Katie Murray who took multiple chances.
Out of the break, senior goalkeeper Claire Wheatley picked up a quick save for the Illini in the 46th minute. The Illini immediately went on the counterattack, firing five shots before allowing another one from Maryland. Illinois took 11 shots in the second half, putting six of those on goal, while holding Maryland to just three scoring attempts after the break.
The Illini outshot Maryland 16-9 in the match, led by Murray who finished with four shots overall. Both Alicia Barker and Patricia George fired three shots each, with Barker putting two of hers on frame.
Illinois will continue Big Ten play at No. 22 Rutgers on Sunday, Sept. 25. The match kicks off at noon CT and will be streamed live on BTN Plus. Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for all the latest on Illinois soccer.
