CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini soccer team returns to Demirjian Park this weekend for two games against Big Ten foes. The Illini will host Nebraska on Thursday, Mar. 18 at 2:30 PM CT and Ohio State on Sunday, Mar. 21 at 1:00 PM CT. Thursdays game will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network, while Sunday's game will be broadcasted on BTN+.

The Orange and Blue return to Demirjian Park after a three-game road stretch in which the Illini went 1-1-1, picking up a 1-0 victory last Saturday at Indiana, earning a scoreless tie at Minnesota on Mar. 6 and falling at Wisconsin 0-1 on Mar. 4.

Sunday's game vs. Ohio State will serve as Senior Appreciation Day for the eight Illini seniors on the roster. Seniors Hope Breslin, Maggie Hillman, Henar Urteaga, Haley Singer, Jayna Fittipaldo, Elizabeth Cablk, Sami Sample and Katie Le will all be honored for their hard work and dedication to the Illini during their time at the University of Illinois.

SCOUTING NEBRASKA

The Huskers are 1-2-2 on the season thus far, and most recently tied Wisconsin 0-0 on Mar. 13. Nebraska is 0-1-1 in away games this season, and sit near the bottom of the B1G conference with five points on the season. Historically, the Illini lead the all-time series 7-3-0, dropping their last matchup with the Huskers 0-1 in Lincoln on Sep. 29, 2019. Senior defender Grace Brown and junior midfielders Dakota Chan and Kenzie Coons were named B1G Players to Watch this season.

SCOUTING OHIO STATE

The Buckeyes are 2-1-2 on the season, most recently tying Penn State 2-2 on Mar. 13. Ohio State will first travel to Purdue Mar. 18 before heading to Champaign to take on the Illini. Ohio State sits one spot above the Huskers in the standings with eight team points on the season. Historically, the Buckeyes lead the all-time series 9-11-4, with the most recent meeting between Ohio State and Illinois ending in a scoreless draw on Oct. 20, 2019. Senior defender Izzy Rodriguez, junior forward Kayla Fischer and freshman midfielder Peyton McNamara were all named B1G Players to Watch this season.

RAKING IN THE HONORS

Senior goalkeeper Sami Sample was named College Soccer News Women's National Player of the Week and B1G Goalkeeper of the Week after her stellar performance at Indiana last Saturday. Sample recorded her second straight shutout this past Saturday in the Illini's 1-0 victory at Indiana, tallying eight saves on the afternoon. Sample has recorded four shutouts this season, which include all three of the Illini's victories and their lone tie this season. She currently ranks first in the B1G in saves (36), saves per game (6.00), and is tied for first in shutouts per game (.667), and ranks second in save percentage (.923) and goals against average (.482).

OFFENSIVE BREAKTHROUGH

After a cold streak offensively, the Illini broke through in a big way against Indiana, scoring their first goal since the 3-0 victory over Iowa at Demirjian Park on Feb. 25. Sophomore midfielder Eileen Murphy connected on a beautiful free-kick pass from sophomore defender Aleah Treiterer to head the ball into the goal for the Illini's lone goal at Indiana, which ended up being the game-winner.

SENIOR CELEBRATION

Eight Illini seniors will be honored for their hard work and dedication at Sunday's game for Senior Appreciation Day. Seniors Hope Breslin, Henar Urteaga, Maggie Hillman, Elizabeth Cablk, Sami Sample, Jayna Fittipaldo, Haley Singer and Katie Le will be honored with a pre-game ceremony along with the seniors from Ohio State. 

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