CHAMPAIGN – A penalty kick from Illini junior Hope Breslin lifted the Orange and Blue over the Michigan State Spartans, 2-1, in double overtime on Sunday afternoon at Demirjian Park. Michigan State took an early lead in the match, but sophomore Makena Silber tied the game for the Illini in the second half. After a gritty battle in regulation, Breslin ended the game with a goal in the 104th minute. Illinois improves to 8-6-0 on the season and 2-5-0 in Big Ten play.
"We continued to create chances today and we found a way to win," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Those are the positive things we will focus on and build upon as we keep working on getting better everyday, fighting together and believing in ourselves."
The Spartans got off to an early attack Sunday, netting the first goal of the match in the sixth minute of play. Despite the early deficit, Illinois pushed back against the Spartans, and worked to keep the ball on the attacking third of the field. Silber responded to the Michigan State goal with a shot of her own less than a minute later, while Breslin and senior Kelly Maday combined for consecutive shots on goal soon after that.
The Illini defense was strong to finish the half, holding Michigan State to just four total shots. The Orange and Blue worked to maintain possession for much of the first half, and put three of their six shots on goal. Four Illini fired shots in the first half, led by Silber and Breslin who tallied two apiece.
Illinois picked up momentum to start the second half, coming out on the attack. Silber netted the equalizer for the Illini early in the second half, as she converted a give-and-go pass from Maday. Silber leads the Illini with six goals so far this year, and the assist marks the fifth for Maday this year.
The Orange and Blue earned their fifth penalty kick opportunity of the season in the 56th minute on Sunday, but the attempt was grabbed by the Spartan goalkeeper. UI worked to keep the pressure on the Spartans for the remainder of the half as both teams fought throughout the midfield. Senior Arianna Veland and Silber added late shots for Illinois in the second frame contributing to UI's attack. Illinois defense held Michigan State to just three shots in the second half, forcing the match into overtime.
The two teams continued to fight throughout the first overtime period. Maday added a shot on goal to UI's tally in the period, but the game advanced into the second overtime.
The Orange and Blue stayed on the attack as Silber put a shot on goal just two minutes into the final overtime period. A foul in the 104th minute, however, gave Breslin her penalty kick opportunity, which she sent past MSU's keeper and into the back of the net to secure the Illini victory.
The Illini put 10 of their 14 total shots on frame on Sunday afternoon, and held the Spartans to just seven total shots. The UI defense held Michigan State without a shot in overtime, and allowed just three in the second half. Breslin led Illinois with four shots on goal, while Silber also added two shots and put two on frame. Senior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham closed the match with two saves for Illinois.
NEXT UP
The Illini are headed out of town next week, traveling to Penn State for a Thursday match. Kickoff in University Park is set for 6 p.m. CT on October 17. UI will then travel to Columbus for a Sunday match at Ohio State. The Illini and the Buckeyes kick off at 1 p.m. CT on October 20.
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