WESTFIELD, In. - The Fighting Illini soccer team, led by the lone goal of the game from Makena Silber, shutout Purdue on the way to their first win of the season in Westfield, IN.
"It's great for the team to get this win and to be competing again. I am so proud of our team for their resiliency and their investment in each other during these challenging times. The excitement of competing again made the game a little frantic but we fought hard, capitalized on a moment, and came away with a hard earned and well deserved Big Ten victory" head coach Janet Rayfield said after the game.
Junior Makena Silber scored with less than 10 minutes left in the game to lead the Illini to victory. Silber tallied six total shots, with three on goal, and scored game-winning goal at the 80:33 mark in the second half. Seniors Hope Breslin and Maggie Hillman both recorded one shot on goal each, and redshirt-senior Henar Urteaga recorded one shot attempt on the afternoon.
Senior goalkeeper Sami Sample made her first-career start as an Illini, saving four shot attempts from Purdue. Also making their first-career start in the season-opener was sophomore Aleah Treiterer, freshman Joanna Verzosa-Dolezal, redshirt-sophomores Meredith Johnson-Monfort and Kendra Pasquale, and redshirt-senior Henar Urteaga.
Defense was the name of the game in the first half, with only four total shots and three corner kick opportunities in the first half. The Illini had only one corner kick opportunity at the 37:08 mark in the first half, while Purdue was held to just two shot attempts in the first.
The Illini offense opened up aggressively in the second half, firing six shots (five shots on goal) and scoring the game-winner at the 80:33 mark. The goal came after a Maggie Hillman shot attempt was saved by Purdue. The ball ricocheted out of the air to Silber and was shot into the goal. After the goal, the Illini locked down the Boilermakers on the defensive end, allowing no shot attempts the rest of the game and leading the team to a season-opening victory.
"Many thanks to our administration and staff for adapting, securing the Grand Park venue and making this game happen. We are grateful for the support and efforts that everyone continues to make to allow us to compete and do it safely" head coach Janet Rayfield said.
UP NEXT
The Illini host a pair of home games next week, with Iowa (Feb. 25, 3 PM CT) and defending B1G Tournament champions and preseason favorite Penn State (Feb. 28, 11 AM CT) traveling to Champaign. The games will take place at Demirjian Park, weather-pending, and will be streamed live on BTN+. Live stats will be available via fightingillini.com.
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.
