Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer secured a 2-0 victory over DePaul on Thursday, moving to a 4-0-0 record for the season. The match was decided by second-half goals from Emma Yee and Sarah Foley.

This marks the first time in program history that Illinois has not conceded a goal in its opening four matches. The team last started a season with four consecutive wins in 2015. Head coach Katie Hultin, who was an assistant under Janet Rayfield during that previous streak, is now leading the team.

Yee created early opportunities for Illinois, including setting up Lia Howard for a shot that hit the post in the second minute and forcing a save from DePaul’s goalkeeper with another attempt in the 11th minute. Yee scored her first goal of the season—and her career’s first game-winner—on a penalty kick in the 58th minute.

Foley extended Illinois’ lead with an 85th-minute goal after receiving a long pass from Kyra Berman, who earned her first collegiate assist and point. Foley has now scored in two straight matches and has 17 career goals.

Goalkeeper Izzy Lee made seven saves to keep her fourth shutout of the season, tying her single-season high set last year. She now has nine career shutouts.

Despite being outshot by DePaul (16-13 overall; 7-5 shots on goal), Illinois maintained control and came away with the win.

The Fighting Illini will next play against Kentucky on Sunday, August 31, with kickoff scheduled for noon Central Time.