EVANSTON, Illinois – Fighting Illini soccer took on the Northwestern Wildcats on Thursday night in a gritty battle alongside Lake Michigan. Despite a late goal from senior Katie Murray, the Orange and Blue fell to Northwestern, 2-1. Illinois moves to 10-7-0 on the season and 5-5-0 in Big Ten play. Next up, the Orange and Blue are set to travel to Nebraska for a 1 p.m. match on Sunday.
The Orange and Blue were first to attack offensively on Thursday as sophomore Maggie Hillman put the first shot on goal in the second minute of play. The Illini continued to pressure throughout the midfield early on, but the Wildcats fought back, taking a 1-0 advantage in the 12th minute of play. Illinois' defense maintained its strong presence throughout the remainder of the half, allowing just two more shots from the home team. Cunningham picked up two saves before the halftime break to hold off the Wildcats. Illinois' offense tallied four shots in the opening frame, putting two of those on goal.
The Illini again came out on the attack after the break, as sophomore Hope Breslin took advantage of a cross from junior Kelly Maday to fire the first shot of the period. Both teams continued to battle throughout the midfield to hold on top possession of the ball. The Wildcats expanded on their lead after an Illinois foul in the 61st minute, however, converting a free kick from the top of the box.
The Orange and Blue continued to battle, working to maintain possession on Northwestern's half of the field. UI picked up the intensity of their attack, firing three consecutive shots at the Northwestern goal. Illinois used a corner kick to its advantage in the 76th minute of play as Murray used a header to net the cross from Morgan Maroney. The score marks the seventh for Murray this season.
Illinois continued to pressure throughout the end of the match, but the Wildcats held on to their lead at home. UI outshot Northwestern 13-12 and put four shots on goal. Eight different Illini fired shots on Thursday, led by senior Caroline Ratz who racked up four shots on the night. Cunningham closed the match with four saves.
NEXT UP
Illinois is set to close regular season play at Nebraska on Sunday, October 21. The match will kick off at 1:05 p.m. CT. Fans can tune in to the live stream on BTN Plus, or follow along with live scoring.
FOLLOW THE ILLINI
Fans can keep up with the Fighting Illini Soccer squad on social media for an even more inside look at the program. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
