LOS ANGELES – Fighting Illini sophomore Makena Silber led Illinois with four shots on Sunday evening, putting three of those on goal. It wasn't enough, however, as the Orange and Blue fell to the San Francisco Dons, 3-0. Illinois finished with nine shots on the night, matching San Francisco's shot total, but the Dons capitalized early with two first-half goals, and secured the victory with another goal after the halftime break. The Illini move to 3-1-0 on the season, and will continue their road stretch next weekend with a Sunday match at Illinois State.

"We started strong and ended fighting," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "But we weren't the team we want to be from start to finish. Time to get back to work, refocus, recommit to each other, and continue the journey."

The Orange and Blue came out on the attack to start Sunday's match, firing three shots in the first six minutes of play. Silber put her first shot on frame in the second minute of the match, adding two more in the second half. Senior Kelly Maday fired two shots early in the contest on Sunday evening as well. San Francisco took its initial lead in the game in the 22^nd minute of play, adding another goal in the 28^th minute. Despite the deficit, Illinois continued to fight as junior Maggie Hillman put a shot just over the net in the 34^th minute of the game.

Illinois trailed by two at halftime, but the Orange and Blue posted five shots to USF's four in the first half. Senior goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham added a save for Illinois before the break.

USF stayed strong out of the halftime break as the two teams continued to battle through the match. The Dons fired two early shots in the second half, taking a three-goal advantage in the 64^th minute. The Orange and Blue continued to push back, with Silber firing three shots down the stretch, putting two of those on frame. Freshman Eileen Murphy also added a shot on goal for Illinois in the 89^th minute.

Both the Illini and the Dons fired nine shots on the night, putting four on frame. UI held the advantage in corner kicks, 6-4.

NEXT UP

The Orange and Blue will continue their road stretch next weekend in Normal, Illinois, taking on the Illinois State Redbirds at 6 p.m. Sunday. 

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