Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer achieved a 2-1 victory over Kentucky on Sunday at the Bell Soccer Complex, improving their record to 5-0-0. This marks the program's first perfect start through five games since 2004, when Illinois won its first seven matches of the season.

Head coach Katie Hultin became only the second coach in program history to win her first five games in her debut season, joining Tricia Taliaferro who accomplished the feat in 1999. "It's the program's first perfect start through five games in 21 years since the 2004 squad won its first seven contests. Katie Hultin is now the second coach in program history to win her first five games in her debut campaign (Tricia Taliaferro, 1999)."

The Illini also ended Kentucky’s 19-match home winning streak. The Wildcats had not lost at home since October 15, 2023, and had not been defeated by a non-conference opponent at home since September 22, 2019.

Kentucky scored early with a shot that deflected off an Illinois defender just two minutes into play, marking the first goal Illinois has allowed this season. In response, Ashley Stellon forced a turnover and assisted Cayla Jackson for a goal in the 17th minute to tie the match.

Ellen Persson scored what would become the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the first half with a header from another Stellon assist on a corner kick. It was Persson’s first career game-winner and second career goal; Stellon registered her third and fourth career assists during this match.

Goalkeeper Izzy Lee saw her shutout streak end but made several important saves late in the game to maintain Illinois’ lead. Her most notable save came in the 80th minute when she stopped a shot headed for goal with a diving effort.

Despite being outshot by Kentucky (19-7 overall shots and 8-4 shots on goal), Illinois secured their fifth consecutive win to remain undefeated this season.

Illinois will next play Missouri on Thursday, September 4, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. CT.