CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 2-0, in its Big Ten home opener on Thursday. Illinois outshot Ohio State, 16-9, and put eight shots on goal in the match, but could not overcome the Buckeyes. The Illini move to 6-4-0 on the season and 1-2-0 in Big Ten play. UI will host No. 20 Penn State on Saturday for Soktoberfest.
"I think our serves were off and our timing was off," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "What we really needed to do, was come out and play the first 20 minutes like we played the rest of the match. I think that changes things. Every game we've played, we have learned something new. Against Wisconsin, we learned you have to play to the final whistle, and tonight we learned you have to play from the first whistle. We need to play a 90-minute match, that's the biggest adjustment we need to make. We need to play the way we played in tonight's second half from start to finish, then we're not chasing a game and we're giving ourselves a chance to win."
The Buckeyes pressured the Orange and Blue from the start, putting a shot on goal in the second minute of play. Ohio State scored the go-ahead goal in the fourth minute of the game, and continued to attack from there. Illinois' defense stayed strong in the opening frame, holding Ohio State to just two shots on goal in the first half. Eight different Illini fired shots before the halftime break, putting six of those on frame. Freshman Amaya Ellis and sophomore Katie Le contributed to a late attack for Illinois in the first half, firing shots on goal in the 45th minute of play.
Ohio State once again went on the attack right away to start the second half as the Buckeyes put a shot on goal in the 46th minute. The Illini responded immediately, however, forcing two corner kicks and firing a shot just a few minutes later. Illinois held Ohio State to just three shots in the second half, but the Buckeyes tallied another goal in the 74th minute of play to secure the victory.
Illini junior Arianna Veland and sophomore Hope Breslin led Illinois with three shots each on Thursday, and senior Morgan Maroney put a team-leading two shots on goal in the match. Junior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed three saves on the night.
NEXT UP
UI will host Penn State on Saturday, Sept. 22 for the annual Soktoberfest. An annual tradition, Soktoberfest includes inflatables and free hot dogs and root beer for the first 100 fans to claim a voucher at the marketing table. In conjunction with the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Induction weekend, the Illini will honor 2018 inductee Tara Hurless at the game and also welcome back soccer alumni.
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.
