CHICAGO – Fighting Illini soccer closed out a three-game road stretch on Thursday, facing the DePaul Blue Demons in a 4 p.m. matchup. Illini senior Morgan Maroney netted her first goal of the season in the contest, but the Blue Demons posted two second-half goals to secure the victory. Illinois moves to 1-2-0 on the season, and will return to Champaign to host Northern Illinois on Sunday at 2 p.m.
"After our opening weekend, today was obviously a disappointing result," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We made some uncharacteristic mistakes today and DePaul capitalized. This team knows the level we are striving for everyday and know that we did not each that today. However, I know we won't back down from striving for that level again tomorrow."
The Illini played strongly right out of the gates on Thursday as junior Kelly Maday fired the first shot of the game in the seventh minute of play, and Maroney gave Illinois a one-goal lead just three minutes later.
Maroney collected a pass from freshman Katelynn Buescher just outside the top of the arc and fired a shot over the DePaul goalkeeper and into the upper left corner of the net. The score marks the first for Maroney this year and the second in her career. Buescher has racked up two assists so far this season.
The match was tied up at the half as DePaul knocked in the equalizer in the 34th minute of play.
The Illini offense was tough out of the break as freshman Makena Silber posted two shots on goal in the second half. Sophomore Madi Wolfbauer also put a shot on frame after the break, and senior Patricia George fired a shot that finished just wide of the Blue Demon net. Despite the pressure from Illinois' offense, the Blue Demons added two second-half goals to secure the victory on their home turf.
Illinois outshot DePaul 7-4, and both teams put four shots on goal in the match. The Orange and Blue forced eight corner kicks, and allowed just four to the Blue Demons. Illini goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed one save in the contest.
NEXT UP
The Illini return to Champaign to host Northern Illinois at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 26. The game will mark senior celebration day, and the squad will honor its six seniors prior to the match. Illinois will also host a free youth clinic on the field following the game. Fans interested in participating in the clinic should register here. Illinois will hand out free fan clappers to the first 300 fans in attendance, and the game will mark the first of the season's Family Sundays where kids can enjoy inflatables prior to kickoff.
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.
