Illinois soccer won their second-straight match on Thursday night with a 1-0 shutout win over Missouri (3-3-1) at Demirjian Park.
The Orange and Blue move to 5-2-0 on the season and 2-1-0 during this season-long five-match homestand.
“I think that we can still be better and that’s the exciting part,” said head coach Janet Rayfield. “We just beat a good team that’s having some success and I think there’s still a higher ceiling for us. I say that in a really exciting way because I think we can be even better than we were tonight.”
It was a tepid start to the match from both teams as neither side was able to carve out any chances, with goalkeeper Julia Cili was called upon early to make a routine save from distance in the sixth minute.
In the 24th minute, Maeve Jones headed on a free kick taken by Ella Karolak in the defensive third, which was misplayed by a Missouri defender. Kendra Pasquale was first to the loose ball in the Tigers box and poked home her team-leading third goal of the season into the bottom left corner, giving Illinois the 1-0 lead.
Pasquale has now gotten onto the score sheet in back-to-back matches after tallying a goal on Sunday (Sept. 4) night vs. Indiana State.
Following the opener, Illinois’ intensity in the midfield in winning back the ball prevented Missouri from breaking quickly in transition while they searched for an equalizer in the opening 45 minutes. The Illini would take their narrow 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half began much like the beginning of the match, as both teams were unable to find much time or space on the ball.
The visitors looked poised to bring the match level in the 65th minute, when Kylee Simmons was through on goal, but Eileen Murphy was able to recover in time to make a decisive block.
Cili would then be called to action again in the 68th minute when she made a diving stop to deny Simmons at her near post.
The Palmetto Bay, Fla., native, made a total of five saves on the night.
Following the flurry of action in their own end, the Illini were able to see out an uneventful final 20 minutes to hold on to the 1-0 victory.
Next Up
The Illini continue this five-match homestand on Sunday, Sept. 11, with a 1 p.m. CT match against Loyola at Demirjian Park.
