Paige Clawson Assistant Athletic Trainer (Soccer) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Paige Clawson Assistant Athletic Trainer (Soccer) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois soccer (4-2-1) concluded its two-match road trip with a 3-2 victory over Mercer (4-2-1) at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia.
Sarah Foley's second-half brace secured the win after Claire Murray opened the scoring for Illinois in the first half. The Orange and Blue scored within the first minute of play for the second time this season. Murray fired a shot from distance on the right wing that deflected off the hands of Mercer's keeper into the net, giving Illinois an early lead after just 42 seconds. It was Murray's first career goal, making her the 11th different goalscorer for Illinois this season.
Illinois nearly doubled their advantage in the sixth minute when Angie Galo found an unmarked Ashley Stellon near the six-yard box, but Stellon's shot went straight to the keeper.
The Illini defense held strong during the first half hour, preventing Mercer from creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities. However, in the 31st minute, Mercer was awarded a penalty due to a handball and successfully converted it to equalize at 1-1.
Illinois goalkeeper Izzy Lee made four saves in the first half, including three crucial ones during the final 15 minutes before halftime.
In the 58th minute, Foley restored Illinois' lead after receiving a perfectly-weighted through ball from Murray. Foley rounded Mercer's keeper and slid the ball into an empty net for her fourth goal of the season.
The Illini defense remained resolute throughout most of the second half, not allowing a shot on goal for its first 35 minutes. Their defensive efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute when they won a corner kick following sustained pressure. Lia Howard took it quickly, playing to Lauren Seppi who crossed into the box where Foley finished easily to make it 3-1.
Mercer responded by winning their second penalty of the day shortly afterward and converting it to reduce Illinois' lead to 3-2.
As Mercer pushed for an equalizer in the final ten minutes, Lee made several critical saves. In particular, she stopped two point-blank attempts from an unmarked attacker at close range in the 84th minute.
With just seconds remaining, Mercer earned a free kick in a dangerous area but Lee's career-high ninth save preserved Illinois' victory.
The Fighting Illini will next face Minnesota at Demirjian Park on Thursday as they begin Big Ten play with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
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