ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Fighting Illini soccer closed its regular season road slate at Michigan on Saturday, falling to the Wolverines, 3-0. Freshman Hope Breslin and senior Kara Marbury led the Illini with three shots each, but Michigan used three second-half goals to overcome the Orange and Blue. Illinois falls to 5-13-0 on the season and 2-8-0 on Big Ten play.
The Illini got off to a strong start in the match, firing two shots on goal in the first seven minutes of play. The Orange and Blue posted seven first-half shots, putting three on goal. Breslin carded two of her three shots in the first half, putting one of those on goal. Marbury and junior Katie Murray also tallied shots early in the first half for Illinois, and junior Patricia George added back-to-back attempts late in the period.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham recorded four of her six total saves before the break. Cunningham now has 103 saves this season, becoming one of just four Illini in program history to surpass the century mark in a single season. Her 103 saves this year sit second overall on Illinois single-season list, and she is just eight saves shy of matching the single-season record set by both Steph Panozzo and Leisha Alcia.
Michigan gained momentum after the halftime break, posting 12 second-half shots, allowing three from the Illini. Marbury posted two of her three shots in the second half, while Breslin also added a late shot for the Orange and Blue. The Wolverines netted the game-winner in the 70th minute, and converted a penalty kick just four minutes later. Michigan added its third goal off of a breakaway with just 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
Illinois will close regular season play on Wednesday, October 25, in a 7 p.m. match against Iowa. The game will mark Illinois' Halloween Extravaganza, and the Illini will give out Halloween candy, LED bracelets and more. Fans are encouraged to wear costumes to the match, and prizes will be given out for those wearing costumes.
Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois soccer.
