CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois Soccer is set to host their third home match in a row on Thursday, Sept. 2 when they take the field against Xavier University at 7 PM CT.  The game will be broadcast live on B1G+ and live stats can be found on fightingillini.com. Additional updates from the match can be found by connecting with @IlliniSoccer on  Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

After a 10 goal weekend to start the season, the Illini come into the match 2-2 and look to bounce back after falling to No. 2 North Carolina and Butler last week at Demirjian Park.  

Illinois will also be hosting "Bark in the Park" during Thursday night's match, allowing fans to bring their furry four-legged friends to Demirjian Park to enjoy an Illinois Soccer match.  

ILLINOIS…

• Owns an all-time 2-0-0 record over the Musketeers.
• Hope Breslin is tied for second in the NCAA in total goals (five). Breslin is tied for first in the Big Ten in total goals this season and is second in the Big Ten in points (10).
• Ranks fourth in the Big Ten in scoring average (2.750)
• Illinois has had goals from 5 different players (Breslin, Makena Silber, Kendra Pasquale, Maeve Jones, and Abby Lynch)

KNOW THE HISTORY

The Illini and the Musketeers have matched up just two times in program history, with only one of those matchups coming in the regular season. Illinois first faced off against the Musketeers in the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 8, 2000, with the Orange and Blue coming out on top 2-0 in Champaign. Illinois and Xavier then matched up in the regular season on Sept. 2, 2007, with Illinois coming out on top 5-0.

KNOW THE FOE

Picked to finish seventh in the Big East, Xavier has come out to defy that prediction with the best program start since 1997.  The Musketeers come to Champaign with a 4-0 record, on 4 straight one-goal victories, knocking off the likes of Big Ten foe Northwestern and 21^st-ranked Saint Louis.  A trio of freshmen (Rasmusssen, Sallee, Netzel) and a sophomore (Vargas) lead the Musketeers in points, while senior goalkeeper Olivia Jenkins has been credited with 2 shutouts.

FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET

Illinois has found the back of the net 11 times on 24 shots on goal through four games this season.  Redshirt Senior Hope Breslin added another goal last week against North Carolina, bringing her season total to five goals, matching her sophomore season total and just one shy of her career-high of six goals in a season set in her junior season.  

BARK IN THE PARK

Fighting Illini Soccer will host their first "Bark in the Park" promotion during Thursday night's match against the Musketeers. The promotion will occur during every home Illini Soccer match occurring on Thursdays. Fans will be allowed to bring their favorite furry friends to Demirjian Park and enjoy an Illini Soccer match. Fans bringing their dogs will be provided special seating bleachers on the north fence at Demirjian Park. Fans and their dogs will be restricted to this seating area.  Along with the special seating section, fans will be provided water and treats for their canine family members. Be sure and dress your canine fan, bring your phones to snap photos to share to our social media accounts, and win a prize for best dressed canine fan!

UP NEXT

The Orange and Blue wrap up their non-conference schedule next week with a trip to the Buckeye state, facing Bowling Green on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 PM CT and Toledo on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 PM CT.  Thursday's match will be streamed on WBGU/Youtube, while Sunday's match will air on ESPN3 and ESPN+.

FOLLOW THE ILLINI

For the latest news, information, and media from Illini Soccer, be sure to follow @Illinisoccer on Twitter and Instagram, "like" Fighting Illini Soccer on Facebook, and tune in to fightingillini.com.