PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Fighting Illini Soccer closed its weekend road trip at No. 22 Rutgers, playing the Scarlet Knights to a scoreless draw in double overtime. The Illini fired four shots in the match, and senior goalkeeper Claire Wheatley grabbed five saves, earning her first shutout of the year. Illinois moves to 3-8-1 on the season and 0-3-1 in Big Ten play.
"Today we showed the grit we need to compete in the Big Ten," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Shutting out Rutgers is a testament to our defensive effort and tenacity all over the field. We must play with that heart and continue to improve in the final third and to convert our chances into goals."
Senior Ellie Ordonez took Illinois' only shot of the first period as the Illini held Rutgers to just three first-half shots. The Illini earned five corner kicks in the half, and Wheatley picked up two saves before the break, as she earned her fourth start of the year.
"We have earned 27 corners in three games, meaning we are getting behind defenses," Rayfield said. "Now, we need to find ways to score goals. We made a step forward today and we need to continue to move in that direction."
Wheatley added two more saves to her tally in the second half, as the Scarlet Knights worked to put the pressure on. Rutgers fired four shots in the half, while the Illini posted two.
The Illini were awarded a corner kick in the 99th minute of play, and senior Alia Abu-Douleh fired Illinois' only overtime shot in the final minute of the first overtime period.
The Orange and Blue were tough on the back line allowing just 10 shots from Rutgers to mark the Scarlet Knights' lowest shot total in Big Ten Play. Prior to Sunday's match, Rutgers averaged more than 18 shots per game, and has only been held to single-digit shots twice this season. Illinois has now held four opponents without a goal this season.
Illinois is back in action Friday, Sept. 30, at Penn State. The match is set for 5 p.m. CT. Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for all the latest on Illini soccer.
