Hailey Parungao Director of Soccer Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Hailey Parungao Director of Soccer Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois soccer (4-3-2, 0-1-1) earned its first point in Big Ten play by securing a 2-2 draw against Wisconsin (4-2-2, 0-1-1) at McClimon Soccer Complex on Thursday night.
Sarah Foley netted her second brace of the season, and goalkeeper Izzy Lee matched her career high with nine saves. Despite these efforts, Illinois could not maintain a 2-0 lead late in the game.
The match began with end-to-end action as both teams came close to scoring early. Kennedy Berschel curled a shot just wide for Illinois in the first minute, while Wisconsin also had an opportunity a minute later. The Badgers struck the post in the fourth minute, followed by Ashley Stellon firing over the bar for Illinois.
Goalkeeper Izzy Lee made her first save of the night in the 12th minute after a shot was fired straight at her from the edge of the area.
In the 14th minute, Emma Yee's high pressure forced a misplaced pass from a Wisconsin defender. Foley capitalized by curling her shot around the keeper into the bottom right corner, giving Illinois a 1-0 lead.
Wisconsin won a penalty in the 18th minute after an attacker was brought down in the box. However, Lee saved it by diving low to her left to stop the well-hit shot.
After a frantic opening 20 minutes, neither side created clear-cut chances for the remainder of the half. Lee made three more saves along the way, sending Illinois into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The hosts started strong in the second half, winning two corner kicks that Illinois managed to repel. Soaking up this early pressure proved vital when Foley scored again in the 58th minute off Lauren Seppi's headed pass into the penalty area. This goal marked Foley's seventh of the season, tying Hope Breslin's record from 2021.
However, Wisconsin responded quickly with a goal in the 62nd minute through a low-driven shot past Lee at her near post. Bolstered by this goal, Wisconsin pressed for an equalizer but found Lee equal to their attempts until they finally tied it up in the 85th minute.
The Fighting Illini will return to action on Sunday when they welcome No. 18 Iowa to Demirjian Park. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT.
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