Illinois Falls to Rutgers, Foley delivers 10th goal of the season

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Despite a resilient second-half defensive effort, Illinois soccer fell 2-1 to No. 20 Rutgers on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Illini, now 7-8-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Big Ten play, were unable to overcome a first-half deficit despite controlling much of the offensive action after the break.

Rutgers (10-3-3, 6-2-2 Big Ten) opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Riley Tiernan capitalized on an Illinois turnover in their defensive third, netting her fourth goal of the season. Just two minutes later, the Illini responded with a goal from Sarah Foley, leveling the game at 1-1. Foley’s strike marked her 10th goal of the season, solidifying her status as the team’s top scorer.

However, the Scarlet Knights reclaimed the lead at the 32-minute mark when Shaela Bradley scored off an assist from Tiernan. That would prove to be the game-winning goal, as neither team could find the back of the net in the second half.

Illinois applied pressure throughout the contest, outshooting Rutgers 15-10 and earning six corner kicks, five of which came in the second half. The Illini defense tightened after the break, holding the Scarlet Knights to just three shots, only one of which was on target. However, Rutgers’ defense, led by goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer’s five saves, held firm to protect their lead.

Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded four saves in the first half, helping to keep her team within striking distance. The Illinois attack kept pushing for an equalizer, but a lack of finishing touch in the final third left the Illini without a second goal.

Foley, a junior forward from Belleville, Ill., continues to be a standout for the Illini. In addition to her 10th goal of the season, she has been a key offensive contributor throughout the year. A 5-foot-5 Academic All-Big Ten selection, Foley started 15 consecutive matches last season and has been a vital part of Illinois’ attack this year.

The Illini return to action on October 27 for their 2024 season finale, hosting Northwestern at Demirjian Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.


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Keywords: Illinois soccer vs Rutgers, Sarah Foley goal, Illinois Big Ten soccer, Illinois soccer

Illinois soccer team secures 2-1 victory over DePaul

CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois soccer team secured another victory, scoring a goal in each half to hand DePaul a 2-1 loss at Demirjian Park on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to the go-ahead score from Lia Howard with seven minutes left in regulation, the Fighting Illini marked their fifth consecutive season with a 2-0 start.

Ashley Stellon opened the scoring in the 44th minute from the penalty spot, marking her first goal of the season. Stellon stepped up and smashed the spot kick into the top-left corner of the goal, giving Illinois a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

At halftime, Illinois held a 1-0 advantage and an 8-4 lead in shots, with both goalkeepers making two saves apiece.

The teams struggled to generate momentum for the first 15 minutes of the second half.

DePaul's Mya Gardner converted a free kick, with Lea Eisenring credited for the assist at the 69-minute mark, knotting the score at 1-all.

The Illinois women’s squad responded with increased offensive pressure, forcing the Blue Demons onto the defensive. After several attempts, their elevated intensity paid off. Sydney Stephens lobbed the ball to Howard, who fought for position and fired the winning shot into the net.

Howard, who led the Orange & Blue's offensive effort, was credited with three shots in her 32-minutes. The team finished with 15 shots on goal and registered two assists.

With a 2-1 lead, the Orange and Blue maintained control for the final seven minutes, denying the Blue Demons any further scoring opportunities.

Keeper Izzy Lee went the distance for the Illini, giving up the solo second-half shot and logging three saves.

Illinois continues its five-match homestand on Thursday with a Braggin' Rights showdown against Missouri at 7 p.m.

The Fighting Illini opened their season with a 6-0 shutout over Wright State last Thursday.


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Illini soccer team opens season with a shutout

CHAMPAIGN - Demirjian Park lit up on Thursday night as the Illinois women's soccer squad surged to a commanding 6-0 victory over Wright State in their 2024 season opener. The Orange & Blue showcased their depth with six different players finding the net, while a total of 11 contributed either primary or secondary assists.

Midfielders Sarah Foley and Sarah Hiestand set the tone early with goals just minutes apart in the first half, propelling Illinois to a 2-0 halftime lead while outshooting their opponents 11-6.

The Illini left no doubt on the field, dominating every facet of the game with a staggering 24-6 shot advantage, including 13 shots on goal to Wright State's 3, and earning 14 corner kicks compared to just 3 for the visitors. Their defensive prowess shone brightly, holding Wright State without a single shot in the second half.

Foley led the charge with a match-high four shots on goal, supported by Hiestand's three attempts during their 60-minute stints.

Early in the second half, Kennedy Berschel broke through, kick the first of four goals in the final period for the Illini. Alyssa Weede, stepping off the bench, added another goal midway through the half.

Lauren Seppi then notched her first goal of the season, extending Illinois' lead to 5-0. Emma Persson sealed the deal with a final goal, securing a commanding 6-0 victory for Illinois.

The triumph marks Illinois' sixth consecutive season opener win and their third straight home opener victory at Demirjian Park. The six-goal tally stands as their highest since an 8-0 rout against Northern Illinois in August 2018.

Next up, Illinois continues their five-match homestand with a clash against DePaul on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, promising more exhilarating action from Demirjian Park.



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