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 is set to start the 2024 season with a five-match homestand at Demirjian Park in Champaign. The team will face Wright State on Thursday and DePaul on Sunday, with kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. CT, respectively.
The Illini enter their 28th season under head coach Janet Rayfield, boasting an overall record of 283-217-46 (.560). The opening match against Wright State marks the beginning of this year's campaign. On Sunday, seniors will be honored in a pregame ceremony for their contributions to the team.
In previous encounters, Illinois leads Wright State 2-0-0, last winning 3-1 in August 2010. Wright State concluded the previous season with a record of 6-7-5 and was predicted to finish fourth in the Horizon League this year. Key players returning include midfielders Olivia Mace and Caitlin Burger, along with goalkeeper Kiera Sarka.
Against DePaul, Illinois holds a tied series record of 1-1-0. In their last meeting in August 2018, DePaul defeated Illinois 3-1. Last season, DePaul finished with a record of 6-7-4 and was projected to place eleventh in the BIG EAST Women's Soccer Preseason Poll.
Illinois wrapped up the previous season with a record of 6-8-3 and went undefeated at home against unranked opponents at Demirjian Park. They have won their last five consecutive season openers since 2019. This year’s schedule includes matches against six teams ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25.
The Illini return several key players from last season's squad, including Kennedy Berschel, Ella Karolak, and Mya Archibald who were named to the Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Players to Watch List.
Additionally, Illinois welcomes twelve newcomers this season: ten freshmen and two transfers. Head coach Janet Rayfield remarked on their potential impact: "This class is a diverse group of winners... they are coming to Illinois to help us win."
Following this week's games, Illinois will continue its homestand with matches against Missouri on August 22 and Illinois State on August 25.
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