OXFORD, Ohio – Fighting Illini soccer improved to 3-3 on the season Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Miami (OH). The Illini put 11 of their 19 shots on goal, led by junior Patricia George and senior Kara Marbury who each fired three shots on goal.
"Today we took the field with a true Fighting Illini mentality," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We still have lots of work to do but I consider this a turning point for us."
The Illini were aggressive from the start in Sunday's match, posting eight shots to Miami's one in the first half of play. Junior Lauren Ciesla started the attack for the Orange and Blue, firing a shot in the first minute of play. Illinois put five shots on frame in the half, led by George, who put all three of her first-half shots on goal. The Illini defense allowed just one shot from the RedHawks in the opening period. George fired the game-winning shot for the Illini in the 33rd minute, which was deflected off of the RedHawk goalkeeper and a Miami defender.
Illinois continued to attack in the second half, adding 11 shots to its tally. Junior Katie Murray fired three of her four shots in the second half, while Marbury posted four of her team-leading five total shots in the second half as well. The RedHawks looked to even things up late in the game, tallying five shots after the break, but sophomore goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed all three of her saves in the period to secure the shutout.
UI outshot Miami 19-6 overall, posting 11 shots on goal to Miami's three. The Orange and Blue forced 10 corner kicks in the match, giving up just two.
Illinois will continue its road trip next weekend, heading to Oklahoma to face both Oklahoma State (Sept. 8) and Oklahoma (Sept. 10) Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois soccer.
