UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the 8th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in a double-overtime match on Sunday. Sophomore goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed 10 saves on the day, denying a Penn State goal until the final minute of play. The Nittany Lions netted the game-winner with just 42 seconds left on the clock. Illinois moves to 3-7-0 on the season and 0-2-0 in Big Ten play.
"Gutsy. That's the only word to describe our performance today," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "The team fought hard, they fought together and I think they now know what that looks like, feels like and hurts like. When we play like this every day moving forward, which we will, good things are going to happen for this team."
Sophomore Kelly Maday and junior Katie Murray fired shots for Illinois in the match, and Maday now leads the Orange and Blue with 16 shots this season; she has put six of those on frame.
The Illini defense was strong on Sunday, tallying one of Illinois' 11 saves. The back line forced Penn State into overtime for the first time this year, and held the Nittany Lions scoreless for more than 109 minutes, the longest drought in a game for Penn State this season.
Penn State outshot Illinois 27-2 and put 12 shots on goal.
The Illini return home next weekend, hosting Maryland (Sept. 22) and Rutgers (Sept. 24). Friday's game will mark the annual Soktoberfest event with a pregame tailgate beginning at 5 p.m. The Illini will give out free brats and root beer while supplies last, and there will be inflatables and lawn games available prior to the match. The Illini will host the annual 100 Kids vs. Illinois Soccer event following Sunday's match as well. Those wishing to participate in 100 Kids vs. Illinois Soccer should register for the event in advance.
Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois Soccer.
