COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Fighting Illini soccer fell to the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday afternoon in College Park, 6-2. Redshirt freshman Meredith Johnson-Monfort netted her first-career goal in the match, and sophomore Makena Silber also added a score for the Orange and Blue. Illinois moves to 7-5-0 on the season and 1-4-0 in Big Ten play. The team will return to Champaign to host Michigan on Friday, October 11 for Socktoberfest.
The Illini and the Terrapins both pressured offensively throughout the match, with Illinois striking first. Senior Kelly Maday fired the first shot of the game in the third minute, but the Terps started the scoring just two minutes later. The Terps pressured to extend their lead in the first half, but Illinois continued to battle back. Silber netted her fifth goal of the season in the 35th minute of play to bring the Orange and Blue within one goal of the home team.
"Over the course of 90 minutes, we did a lot of things right today," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We created turnovers in our attacking half, we created chances, and we had more than our share of the ball. But, Maryland took advantage on multiple restarts and capitalized when they had chances. We had to move people around, ask people to play in different spots and use our bench throughout the game; we responded well to that element and it was also great to see Meredith {Johnson-Monfort} get the first goal of her career today."
Illinois fired seven first-half shots, putting one on goal, and the Terps used 11 shots in the first half to take a 4-1 lead into the second period. Junior Hope Breslin was strong for Illinois to open play, leading the squad with four shots in the opening half.
UI worked to pressure Maryland and cut into the deficit in the second half. Silber was a major contributor for Illinois, as she took six shots after the halftime break and also tallied an assist for Illinois. The sophomore sent a ball into the box for Johnson-Monfort who converted the pass and sent it into the back of the net in the 86th minute. Despite the Illini defense holding Maryland to just four shots in the second half, the Terps added two more goals for a 6-2 victory over Illinois.
Illinois outshot Maryland, 17-15, in the match and put eight shots on goal. Silber finished with seven shots to lead Illinois, putting three on goal. Junior goalkeeper Elizabeth Cablk made her first-career appearance for Illinois on Sunday, and grabbed two saves for the Orange and Blue. Senior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham added one save as well.
NEXT UP
Illinois will return 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.
