COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – Fighting Illini Soccer topped the Maryland Terrapins, 1-0, in a televised contest on Thursday evening. Sophomore Hope Breslin netted a penalty kick in the 56th minute of play to give Illinois an advantage early in the second half. The Illini battled to keep the Terrapins scoreless on the night and earn their second-straight shutout. It also marks the fifth shutout this season. Illinois improves to 8-5-0 on the season and 3-3-0 in Big Ten play. The Orange and Blue will stay on the road to take on Rutgers Sunday at 12 p.m. CT.
"Tonight was another hard-fought battle and this team continues to fight together," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Our defense was solid for 90 minutes, our possession good, and we found a way to get win. 'Whatever it takes' continues to drive this team everyday."
The two teams battled throughout the midfield in the first half, with Illinois working to control possession for much of the period. The Terps fired the first shot of the match in the seventh minute of play, and junior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed it to earn her first save of the match.
The Orange and Blue returned the attack almost immediately, as freshman Makena Silber tallied back-to-back shots on Maryland's half of the field. Senior Katie Murray, sophomore Maggie Hillman and Breslin also added to Illinois' attack before the halftime break.
The Illini and the Terps each fired five shots before halftime, and both teams put one shot on frame.
The Illini turned up the volume immediately to start the second half, as Silber posted a shot in the 46th minute of the match. A Maryland foul inside the box gave Breslin a penalty kick opportunity in the 56th minute. She converted the kick, sending the ball into the lower corner of the net and past the Terrapin goalkeeper. Illinois remained on the attack even after taking the lead, as Silber fired another pair of shots for the Illini just a minute later.
Illinois took its lead into a short weather delay in the 60th minute of play.
The Illini stayed aggressive after the delay, posting another two shots out of the break. Maryland picked up momentum in the final few minutes of play, but the Illinois defense held strong to secure the Illini shutout. Illinois put three of its 12 shots on goal on Thursday evening, and allowed just one shot on goal from the Terrapins.
NEXT UP
Illinois will continue their road trip to take on Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, Sunday, October 7. First touch is set for noon. The Illini return to Champaign to host Purdue (Oct. 11) and Indiana (Oct. 14) for the final pair of regular season home matches. Thursday's match will mark Pride Night, featuring a pre-game pride parade and free rainbow socks for the first 200 fans to sign the Illinois Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Banner. Sunday's match will mark Fan Appreciation Day.
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.
