CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini soccer team suffered their first loss of the season Sunday afternoon at Demirjian Park, a 0-2 loss to Penn State.
Senior Hope Breslin fired four shots on the day (three on goal). Freshman Joanna Verzosa-Dolezal, redshirt-sophomore Ashley Cathro, and redshirt-senior Henar Urteaga all fired one shot on goal as well. Senior Sami Sample recorded five saves on the afternoon for the Illini.
Penn State started the game fast, scoring their first goal a mere 3:30 into the game. The Illini defended well the rest of the half, and possession evened out with the Illini firing six shots in the half and attempting multiple corner kicks. The Illini headed into the locker room only trailing by one.
The Illini continued to pressure Penn State and had great corner and free kick opportunities in the second half, firing four shots in the second half. Penn State scored their second goal on the afternoon in the 52nd minute to make it a two goal deficit. Sami Sample made a terrific save on a penalty kick from Penn State, diving to her right to deflect the ball away and squashing a great opportunity by Penn State. Ultimately, the Illini offense couldn't convert their offensive opportunities and Penn State brought home the league win.
The Illini are now 2-1 (2-1 B1G) overall on the season.
UP NEXT
The Illini begin a three game road stretch this Thursday, Mar. 4 when they travel to Rockford, IL to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. Broadcast information is to be determined, but live stats will be available via the Badgers website.
