LINCOLN, Neb. – Illinois soccer fell to Nebraska (6-4-5), 3-1, on Thursday night at Hibner Stadium.
The Orange and Blue move to 7-6-2Â on the season and are now 2-4-1 in Big Ten play this season.
The Illini started off the match on the front foot, applying some early pressure on the Huskers in the opening 15 minutes. Following a succession of throw-ins and a corner kick in the attacking third, both Kendra Pasquale and Sydney Stephens forced some early saves out of the Nebraska keeper as the visitors pushed for the opener.
The hosts then pushed back and began to find their footing in the contest. Julia Cili was up to the task, recording three saves in a 20-minute span.
In the 39th minute, Eileen Murphy got on the end of a clearance from Ella Karolak and played the ball up to Makala Woods at midfield. The junior spun past a defender as she controlled the ball and began driving at the defense. She then skipped past another defender and clipped her shot over the onrushing keeper into the net to put the Illini in front with a spectacular solo effort.
Illinois took the 1-0 lead into the break and looked poised to capture their second-straight road victory.
Neither side found much room to operate during the first 16 minutes of the second half, with the Illini playing well defensively to prevent the Huskers from creating any chances.
In the 57th minute, a long throw-in into the Illinois penalty area took a bounce and Sarah Weber rose the highest to equalize for Nebraska. The Huskers would then double their tally in quick succession in the 67th minute, when Florence Belzile deftly slotted a cross into the net past an outstretched Cili.
Nebraska was then able to shutdown Illinois defensively, as the Illini were unable to record a single shot in final 45 minutes of the match. Eleanor Dale then sealed the three points for the Huskers with a goal with just 11 seconds left to play.
Next Up
The Illini return to Demirjian Park on Sunday, Oct. 16, to take on No. 20Â Ohio State.
