CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the 20th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, 2-1, on Saturday in a gritty, overtime battle. Illini senior Morgan Maroney netted an early goal to give the Orange and Blue a lead for much of the game. The Nittany Lions, however, forced the match into overtime with a goal in the 74th minute, and secured the victory in the 91st minute of play. Illinois moves to 6-5-0 on the season and 1-3-0 in Big Ten play. UI will return to action next Saturday, hosting Michigan State at 6 p.m.
"This was a great Big Ten soccer match," head coach Janet Rayfield said of Saturday's contest. "I think you've seen, since Big Ten play started, there's a real fine line in coming away with a victory. I love the way we started tonight. We started tonight in the way I wanted us to start on Thursday night. We fought and battled; I feel for this team because they are really working at getting better. Tonight just hurts; we had a chance to put the game away, and they {Penn State} took their chance, that's a credit to them."
Maroney gave the Illini an early, 1-0, lead over the Nittany Lions as she netted her second goal of the season in the 14th minute of play. Maroney capitalized in the box by firing her own shot after a shot from sophomore Hope Breslin was deflected off the Penn State goalkeeper. The Orange and Blue came out with a presence on Saturday night, firing three shots and taking the lead in the match before allowing even one from Penn State. Both teams battled through the first half of play, with four different Illini taking shots before the break. Illini goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham anchored a solid back line throughout the match, she recorded one save in the opening frame to hold on to Illinois' lead.
The Orange and Blue continued to fight to extend their lead throughout the second half. Junior Arianna Veland fired the first shot out of the break, but the Nittany Lions responded with two of their own. The Illini defense worked to keep Penn State out of the box, but the visitors tallied a goal in the 74th minute of play to tie up the match.
Illinois responded with several scoring opportunities before the end of regulation, but the match was forced into overtime. Senior Katie Murray posted a shot of her own 78th minute, and Illini freshman Makena Silber took advantage of a Penn State corner kick just one minute later, turning the ball and advancing it down the field to junior Kelly Maday. Maday pulled away for the breakaway and put a shot on frame.
Cunningham finished with four saves on the night, while six Illini recorded shots in the match. Silber and Murray posted two shots each, while Maday, Maroney, Veland and sophomore Maggie Hillman each added one of their own.
Saturday's match marked the annual Soktoberfest, welcoming a season-high 1107 fans to Illinois Soccer Stadium.
"The energy that we got tonight from our bench, and from the fans and the crowd, that energy matters," head coach Janet Rayfield said.
NEXT UP
The Illini will continue their homestand next Saturday, September 29, with a 6 p.m. match against Michigan State. The Illini will honor all military and veteran members of our community at Salute to Service Night. Fans are also welcome to recognize World Cup Night by wearing their favorite soccer jersey.
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.
