MACON, Ga. -- Illinois soccer (4-2-1) ended its two-match road trip with a 3-2 win over Mercer (4-2-1) today at Betts Stadium.
Sarah Foley's second half brace sealed the triumph after Claire Murray opened the scoring for the Illini in the first half.
For the second time this season, the Orange and Blue scored in the first minute of play. Murray fired a shot from distance from the right wing that deflected off of the hands of the Bears keeper and into the back of the net, giving Illinois the lead after just 42 seconds. It was the freshman's first goal of her career and she becomes the 11th different goalscorer for the Illini this season.
Illinois came close to doubling their advantage in the sixth minute when Angie Galo picked out an unmarked Ashley Stellon in near the six-yard box, but Stellon could only fire here shot straight at the keeper.
The Illini defense held firm during the first half hour of play, keeping the hosts from carving out any clear-cut scoring opportunities.
In the 31st minute, Mercer were awarded a penalty after a handball, which was converted, making it 1-1.
Illinois keeper Izzy Lee would make four saves in the first half, including three during the final 15 minutes before the break.
In the 58th minute, Foley gave the Illini the lead for the second time after being played in on goal after a perfectly-weighted through ball from Murray. Foley calmly rounded the Mercer and slid the ball into the empty net for her fourth goal of the campaign.
The Illinois defense continued to be tough to break down, preventing a shot on goal for the first 35 minutes of the second half.
The defensive dominance paid off in the 78th minute, when the Illini won a corner after a spell of pressure. Lia Howard took the set piece quickly, playing the ball to Lauren Seppi, who crossed it into box and found an unmarked Foley right on the doorstep of the goal, where the junior had a simple finish to make it 3-1.
Illinois seemingly put the match away, but Mercer would win their second penalty of the day just seconds later and score again from the spot to make it 3-2.
As the Bears pushed for an equalizer, Lee would come up big in goal during the final 10 minutes of action. Mercer looked sure to score in the 84th minute when a deflected cross found an unmarked attacker at the back post, but Lee made two spectacular saves at point blank to preserve the lead.
Mercer would win a free kick with just seconds remaining in a dangerous area but Lee would make her career-high ninth save of the match to give Illinois the win.
The Fighting Illini will be back in action on Thursday, where they welcome Minnesota to Demirjian Park to begin Big Ten play. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.
