WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Fighting Illini soccer fell to Purdue, 1-0, on Thursday night, despite an offensive attack led by Illinois upperclassmen Kara Marbury, Patricia George and Katie Murray. Sophomore goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham recorded six saves in the match, but Purdue's first-half goal would be the difference. Illinois moves to 3-10-0 on the season and 0-5-0 in Big Ten play.
The Boilermakers pressured right from the beginning on Thursday evening, putting two shots on goal in the first four minutes of the game. Marbury responded quickly, however, looking to score with a header off of a throw-in from Alicia Barker. Marbury posted two first-half shots for the Illini, and junior Katie Murray added a shot as well. Purdue netted its game-winner in the 27th minute of the game, but the Illini continued to fight.
Illinois' defense held strong against the Boilermakers in the second half, while the offensive line posted six shots after the break. George recorded both of her shots in the second half, while junior Lauren Ciesla and sophomore Arianna Veland also recorded shots for the Orange and Blue.
Illinois carded nine shots in the match to Purdue's 18. The Boilermakers put seven of those shots on frame.
The Orange and Blue return to action Sunday in Bloomington, Indiana, taking on the Hoosiers at noon. Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois Soccer.
