Illini Battle in Loss to Badgers

Thursday, October 24

Champaign, Ill.

8 PM

University of Illinois

8-8-1, 2-7-1

#10 Wisconsin

12-2-2, 8-0-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Wisconsin	1	0	1
Illinois	0	0	0

October 24, 2019 | Soccer

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini Soccer hosted the 10^th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday evening in a televised match on the Big Ten Network. The Orange and Blue outshot the Badgers, 10-7, on the night, but a goal late in the first half secured the victory for visiting Wisconsin. Illini senior Kelly Maday combined with sophomore Makena Silber for six total shots and four shots on goal Thursday night. UI moves to 8-8-1 on the season and 2-7-1 in Big Ten play.

"I think we did exactly what we set out to do; we followed the game plan and created the chances that we wanted, we just didn't finish them," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "On the night, I thought we played some of our best soccer, and the team that we've been working towards showed up to play tonight and I'm really proud of that."

The Illini got off to an early attack on Thursday evening, firing four shots in the first 15 minutes of the match. Maday contributed two of those shots to start the match, finishing with three on the night. The two teams continued to fight throughout the midfield, as the Badgers worked to return the attack. Senior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed her only save of the night in the 19^th minute, helping to keep the game tied without a score.

Junior Maggie Hillman and Silber added shots for Illinois before halftime, but a goal late in the half gave the Badgers a 1-0 advantage going into the break. Both teams fired six first-half shots and put two on frame. Illinois forced four corner kicks in the first half, giving up just two.

Illinois continued to battle throughout the second half, working to keep the ball on the offensive third of the field. Silber added a shot on goal for Illinois in the 48^th minute of the match, and senior Arianna Veland followed up with another in the 52^nd minute. The Orange and Blue tallied four shots in the second half, putting three of those on frame. Despite several solid chances, Illinois could not find the back of the net.

UI's defense was also strong to close out the match on Thursday, holding the Badgers to just one shot in the second half. Illinois forced nine corner kicks on the night, and held Wisconsin to just two shots on goal.

NEXT UP

The Illini will close regular season play on Sunday, hosting the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Illinois and Minnesota will face off at 1 p.m. The game will mark Halloween Day, with free pumpkin bags for all kids in eighth grade and under.

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