Sammy Jo Prudhomme Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Sammy Jo Prudhomme Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Fighting Illini soccer began their Big Ten campaign with a 1-1 draw against Iowa at the Iowa Soccer Complex. This result marks Illinois' first points at Iowa since 2016, bringing their season record to 4-2-2.
The match was initially dominated by defense, with neither team challenging the goalkeepers in the first 25 minutes. Julia Cili, from Palmetto Bay, Florida, made a crucial save in the 27th minute, one of her nine saves during the game.
Four minutes after Cili's save, Makena Silber capitalized on an error by an Iowa defender. She bypassed the goalkeeper and scored into an empty net, marking her 21st career goal for Illinois and ending Iowa's streak of not conceding a goal for over 398 minutes.
Illinois held onto their lead through halftime with Cili making three saves in the first half. In the second half, Kennedy Berschel nearly doubled Illinois' lead with a shot saved by Iowa's keeper.
Cili continued to make key saves throughout the second half, including one in the 76th minute. Late in the game, Illinois had opportunities to secure a win through Makala Woods and Lia Howard but were unable to convert.
Iowa equalized in the 84th minute when a cross found an unmarked attacker who scored from close range. The match ended level at one goal each.
The Fighting Illini will next face Indiana at Demirjian Park on Thursday, September 21st. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
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