Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer (3-2-1) was defeated by Georgia (2-2-2), 2-0, at Turner Soccer Complex in Athens, Ga.

Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee made a career-high eight saves, but two Bulldog goals on either side of the break determined the outcome of the match.

Lee was called into action early in the contest. In the eighth minute, she made a diving stop at her near post to deny an early Georgia opportunity. The Western Springs, Ill., native made another save in the ninth minute, tipping a shot over the bar to keep the match level.

Illinois' first chance came in the 14th minute through Claire Murray, but her shot went straight to the Georgia keeper.

Sarah Foley nearly gave Illinois the lead in the 20th minute. She picked up the ball at midfield and beat three defenders on a mazy run but was unable to slot it into the net.

Both defenses were resilient throughout most of the first half. However, in the 44th minute, Georgia found an unmarked attacker from close range to make it 1-0.

Coming out of halftime, Georgia doubled their tally in the 47th minute when a deflected shot fell into an attacker's path for another goal from close range.

Illinois was unable to penetrate Georgia's defense in the second half and ultimately fell 2-0.

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