CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois soccer (6-7-2, 2-5-1) fell in its match against UCLA (12-2-2, 7-0-1), 3-1, today at Demirjian Park.
After falling behind 2-0 in the second half, Angie Galo's 52nd minute goal made it a one-score contest, but a third Bruins goal in the 58th minute would put the match out of reach.
Illini keeper Izzy Lee made three saves in the opening 13 minutes, including a great stop in the 13th minute in a 1v1 situation.
In the 32nd minute, the visitors would win a penalty kick, which would be converted, to take a 1-0 lead.
UCLA would take that lead into the break, holding an 11-2 advantage in shots, but Lee recorded six saves to keep Illinois in the game.
The Bruins doubled their lead in the 51st minute, but the Illini would pull a goal back almost immediately.
In the 52nd minute, the Orange and Blue won a free kick and following the initial set piece, the ball would fall again at the feet of Galo, 25 yards away from goal. The senior launched an effort on goal, which was hit just high enough over the outstretched arms of the UCLA keeper and into the net, making it 2-1.
The Bruins however, restored their two-goal lead with their third tally of the day in the 58th minute, making it 3-1.
Illinois was unable the find the back of the net for the remainder of the match, ultimately falling 3-1.
The Fighting Illini will be back in action on Thursday, when they begin a two-match road trip at Indiana in Bloomington. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT.
