PISCATAWAY, New Jersey – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in an overtime battle on Sunday afternoon. The Illini defense was strong throughout the match to force overtime for the third game this season, but the Scarlet Knights earned a 1-0 victory with a goal in the 98th minute of play. Illinois moves to 8-6-0 on the season and 3-4-0 in Big Ten play.
"The stats don't tell the true story of this hard-fought Big Ten battle," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Both teams had very few quality chances; we gave them one in overtime, and they put it away."
The Illini and the Scarlet Knights traded possessions to start the match, with the Orange and Blue pressuring to force the first corner kick of the game. Illinois' back line was strong from the first whistle as UI didn't allow a shot from Rutgers until the 17th minute of the match. Illini senior Katie Murray responded with Illinois' only shot of the half just one minute later. Rutgers fired six shots to open the match, but the Illinois defense fought to keep the game scoreless at the halftime break.
The Illini back line continued to stay strong throughout the second half as the Scarlet Knights added nine shots to their tally. Junior Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed her first save of the match in the 76th minute of play, keeping the game locked without a score. The Illini picked up momentum from there as senior Morgan Maroney fired a header at the Rutgers goal in the 79th minute, working to convert a pass from Murray. The Scarlet Knights continued to pressure Illinois, going on a late attack, but Cunningham grabbed another save with just a few minutes left in regulation to help force overtime for the third time this season.
Sophomore Hope Breslin went on the attack in overtime, firing two shots for Illinois and putting one on frame. Rutgers ended the match, however, with a goal in the 98th minute.
Illinois fired four shots in the match, led by Breslin's two. Rutgers closed the match with 17 shots, putting just three on goal.
NEXT UP
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.
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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.
