Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini soccer is set for two home matches against Indiana and No. 19 Michigan at Demirjian Park. The game against Indiana will take place on Thursday, September 21, at 7:00 p.m. CT, and the match against Michigan is scheduled for Sunday, September 24, at 1:00 p.m. CT. The Thursday contest will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

The Illinois soccer team is in its 27th season and has an overall record of 281-211-45 under head coach Janet Rayfield's leadership for the past 22 seasons.

Admission to all home games is free, with parking available at Atkins Tennis Center and nearby grass lots.

Promotions include "Illini Hour" before the Indiana match with $5 drink specials from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., as well as a focus on mental health awareness through the "Kick the Stigma" initiative. Sunday's game against Michigan will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with themed concessions and announcements.

In their last outing, Illinois secured a draw at Iowa on September 17. Makena Silber scored her first goal since October 2021 during this match, tying her for eighth in program history with Colleen Joyce.

Illinois leads the series against Indiana with a record of 14-8-4 but lost their last encounter in Bloomington in September 2021. Meanwhile, they trail Michigan historically with a record of 9-18-1 and lost their last meeting in Ann Arbor in overtime.

Key players to watch include Sydney Stephens who recently scored twice in a victory over Pepperdine and Julia Cili who matched her season-high saves against Iowa.

The team welcomes three newcomers this season: Mya Archibald from Canada, Sophia Wampler from Cincinnati bringing international experience from Peru's U-17 squad, and graduate transfer Bel Rolley from Oregon.

Looking ahead, Illinois will travel for Big Ten matches against Northwestern on September 28 and Ohio State on October 1.