Chambana Sun

Illinois soccer secured a 1-0 victory over Purdue on Sunday afternoon at Demirjian Park. This win brings Illinois’ record to 12-2-1 overall and 5-2-1 in the Big Ten Conference. The team’s 12th win marks their best season performance since 2011, when the program achieved 17 wins.

Goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded her ninth shutout of the season, making seven saves during the match. Lee’s performance ties her for fourth place in the program’s single-season shutout records, alongside Alexandra Kapicka, who reached this milestone in 2008.

The game’s only goal came from Cayla Jackson in the ninth minute. Jackson intercepted a Purdue pass near midfield and scored by shooting over the opposing goalkeeper, who was out of position. This goal is Jackson’s sixth of the season and her third game-winning goal, tying her with Sarah Foley for the team lead in both categories.

Illinois began the match with early pressure, creating three scoring opportunities within the first five minutes. Purdue finished the game with more total shots (14) compared to Illinois (10), while both teams registered seven shots on target. The attendance for the match was 1,132.

Illinois will next play against Northwestern in an in-state rivalry game scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m.