CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday night, 1-0. Despite a gritty battle at Demirjian Park, visiting Indiana netted a goal with just over 10 minutes to play to secure their victory. Junior Hope Breslin led the Orange and Blue with four shots on the night. Illinois moves to 7-4-0 overall and 1-3-0 in Big Ten play.
"We didn't handle Indiana's organized defending mentally, or in the way we took care of the ball," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We just weren't as sharp as we needed to be. For us, the goal is to perform to the best of our ability and to fight together as a team. We didn't do either tonight."
Illinois and Indiana traded possessions throughout the first half of play, with the Orange and Blue staying on the offense for much of the period. The Illini fired eight shots in the first half, putting three of those on frame. Breslin started the attack for Illinois as she fired a shot in the 13th minute, and senior Arianna Veland followed up with another one just a minute later. Veland and Breslin each posted two first-half shots, with Breslin putting one on goal. Junior Maggie Hillman also recorded two shots in the opening half, putting one of those on goal.
The Illinois defense was tough to open play as well, allowing just four Indiana shots. Senior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham grabbed one save to help shut out the Hoosiers before the halftime break.
Starting the second half with no score, Indiana pressured Illinois right away, recording five shots in a span of eight minutes. Cunningham denied three of those shots to keep the game scoreless with thirty minutes to play. Breslin responded to the Indiana attack with another shot of her own in the 64th minute.
The Hoosiers took the advantage in the match with a goal in the 80th minute, but the Illini continued to push back until the final whistle. The Orange and Blue finished with nine shots on the night, putting three on frame. Cunningham closed play with four saves.
NEXT UP
Next up, the Orange and Blue will then travel to Maryland to face the Terps on Sunday at Noon. Illinois returns to Champaign for a pair of matches next weekend, hosting Michigan on Friday, October 11 and Michigan State on Sunday, October 13. Friday's match will mark the annual Socktoberfest, with free bratwurst and root beer to the first 200 fans. The annual 100 Kids vs. Illinois Soccer event will take place after Sunday's game. All kids eighth grade and under are invited to participate in a scrimmage against the entire Illini soccer team. The first 100 kids to register will receive a unique numbered t-shirt.
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.
