Janet Rayfield Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Janet Rayfield Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois soccer set a new program record for its best start to a season after drawing 0-0 with Indiana on Friday night at Demirjian Park. The team now holds a 7-0-1 record through eight matches, surpassing the previous mark set by the 2004 squad, which began their season 7-1-0.
Goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded her sixth shutout of the year, tying her for the national lead and extending her lead in the conference. This marks the 11th clean sheet of her career. One of Lee's key moments came in the 68th minute when she stopped a close-range shot from Indiana by leaping and punching the ball away.
On offense, Sydney Stephens and Ashley Stellon each had two shots on goal. Stephens took her first shot in the 39th minute and then fired again in the final minutes of play, but both attempts were saved by Indiana’s goalkeeper. Stellon's shots came within three minutes of each other during the second half; one was set up by Emma Yee but was deflected wide by Indiana’s keeper.
Sarah Foley nearly broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, but it was also saved. Illinois pressed hard in the closing five minutes, registering three more shots on target, but could not find a breakthrough.
Attendance for Friday’s match was reported at 1,008 spectators.
Illinois will next travel to Oregon for a match scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 8 p.m. CT on BTN.
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