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
Sydney Stephens, a junior midfielder for the Fighting Illini soccer team, played a crucial role in their recent victory against Pepperdine. The match, held on September 10 at Demirjian Park, ended with Illinois triumphing 3-2 thanks to Stephens' impressive two-goal performance.
The Illini were trailing 1-0 in the 33rd minute when Stephens initiated a decisive play. She drove the ball wide to Lia Howard, who then passed it to Makala Woods. Woods found Stephens at the penalty spot, where she equalized with a shot into the bottom corner.
Later in the game, during the 88th minute, Kennedy Berschel connected with Woods on the right wing. Woods crossed to Stephens near the post. Beating the goalkeeper, Stephens scored her second goal of the match and secured Illinois' lead with just over two minutes remaining.
Stephens is from Waterloo, Illinois and maintains a 3.68 GPA while majoring in early childhood education.
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