CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois soccer (2-0-1) battled to a 1-1 draw in a Braggin' Rights showdown vs. Missouri (1-1-1) tonight at Demirjian Park.
Regan Moody's 73rd minute header gave the Illini the lead but it was short lived as the Tigers equalized in 79th minute.
It was the visitors that began the match on the front foot, forcing Illinois goalkeeper Izzy Lee into a pair of saves in the first 15 minutes of play. Lee again was up to the task again in the 26th minute, making a great reaction save from point blank to keep the contest scoreless. The Western Springs, Ill., native, would go on to make four saves in the first half, as the two sides went into the break scoreless.
Missouri opened the second half with four corners in under three minutes of play, but the Illinois defense held firm, with Lee taking command of the penalty area to claim several chances.
The Tigers nearly opened the scoring in the 58th minute as an attacker broke free alone on goal but a fantastic sliding stop from Lee turned away the threat.
As the Illini began to grab a hold of the contest, winning a corner in the 72nd minute. Ella Karolak delivered an in-swinging ball into the penalty area, where Moody was able manage to find space unmarked from six yards out and headed the ball into the net for her first-career goal, becoming the Orange and Blue's ninth different goalscorer of the campaign.
Missouri would equalize soon after in the 79th minute, being first to a loose ball inside the penalty area.
The Tigers nearly stole a win in the final seconds of the match, but Lee's seventh save of the contest secured the draw, pushing the Illini's unbeaten run to open the season to three.
Illinois will be back in action on Sunday, where they welcome Illinois State to Demirjian Park. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT.
