Sammy Jo Prudhomme Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Sammy Jo Prudhomme Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois soccer continues its season-opening five-match homestand with a pair of rivalry showdowns against Missouri and Illinois State. The matches will take place at Demirjian Park, with kickoffs set for 7 p.m. on August 22 and 5 p.m. on August 25, respectively.
The 2024 season marks the 28th season of Illinois soccer under head coach Janet Rayfield, who has led the team for 23 seasons. The Illini currently hold an overall record of 285-217-46 (.562).
Promotional events are planned for both matches. On Thursday, August 22, during the match against Missouri, the "Kick Stigma" event aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among students and generate funds for related resources. On Sunday, August 25, the match against Illinois State will feature a "Back to School Tailgate" with pre-match inflatables and food trucks, followed by post-match autographs from players.
For fans attending Sunday's match, those planning to park in the grass lot must enter through the Goodwin Avenue gravel driveway as direct access through the Atkins Tennis Center lot will not be available.
In terms of competition history:
Missouri leads the all-time series against Illinois with a record of 5-7-2. The Tigers won their last encounter on September 8, 2023, in Columbia but lost their most recent match at Demirjian Park on September 8, 2022. This season, Missouri started with a win over Missouri State before losing to No.10 Memphis.
Illinois State trails Illinois in their all-time series at 12-4-2. The Illini secured a win in their last meeting on August 28, 2022. In its first week this season, Illinois State defeated Green Bay and drew with Purdue Fort Wayne.
Illinois has shown strong offensive diversity this season with eight different players scoring goals so far. Newcomers Lauren Seppi, Lindsey DuSatko, Mia Gildea, Emma Yee, and Bella Zanoni have already made significant contributions.
Sophomore defender Mya Archibald was named to Canada's roster for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. This is her second youth-level World Cup appearance after competing in India in 2022.
Three Illini players were named to the Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Players to Watch List: Kennedy Berschel (midfielder), Ella Karolak (defender), and Mya Archibald (defender).
The Fighting Illini roster includes twelve newcomers this year—ten freshmen and two transfers—bringing diverse skills and winning mentalities to the team according to Coach Rayfield.
Following these matches against Missouri and Illinois State, Illinois will conclude its homestand against Kentucky on August 31 at Demirjian Park.
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