Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini soccer team secured a significant victory against No. 19 Michigan with a 2-1 win at Demirjian Park on Sunday. This marks Illinois' second triumph over a ranked opponent this season, improving their record to 5-3-2, including 3-1-0 at home. The win is notable as it is the first against Michigan since 2016 and the first time since 2018 that Illinois has defeated two ranked teams in one season.

The match began with intense action from both sides. In the first 12 minutes, Illinois managed six shots, forcing one save, while Michigan had three attempts with Illinois goalkeeper Julia Cili making two saves. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Lia Howard and Bel Rolley combined efforts to regain possession in the attacking third. Makala Woods received the ball inside Michigan's penalty area and scored her first goal of the season with a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Illinois extended their lead seven minutes later after Abby Lynch was fouled in the box by a Michigan defender, resulting in a penalty kick. Although Sarah Foley's initial attempt was saved, she quickly reacted to score from the rebound, doubling Illinois' advantage.

By halftime, Illinois led 2-0 after dominating play with 16 shots compared to Michigan's five and earning seven corner kicks without conceding any.

In the second half, Illinois continued to press for another goal. In the 53rd minute, Howard's shot was saved and deflected off the crossbar; Woods followed up with a header that also hit the crossbar.

Defensively strong throughout most of the match, Illinois allowed only three shots in the first 35 minutes of the second half. However, Michigan managed to score in the 87th minute from a set piece but could not equalize before full-time.

Illinois will next face No. 18 Northwestern at Larry and Shannon Martin Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. CT.