MINNEAPOLIS – Fighting Illini soccer fell in their road match at Minnesota, 3-1, Sunday at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
The Orange and Blue now move to 5-5-3 on the season and 1-3-2 in Big Ten play.
It was a dream start for Illinois when Kennedy Berschel opened the scoring in the fourth minute, neatly redirecting a shot from Lia Howard past the Minnesota keeper into the net, giving the Illini an early lead. It was Berschel’s second goal of the season, giving her a new career-best mark.
The Golden Gophers would grab an equalizer in the 16th minute and would quickly grab the lead with another goal in the 22nd minute. The hosts would carry the 2-1 advantage into the break.
The Illini nearly made the contest level in the 48th minute when Makala Woods made a great solo run and used an excellent piece of skill to create a chance, but her shot saved, getting just tipped over the bar. Woods again came close to scoring in the 64th minute, but her curled shot was also saved.
As Illinois continued to press to get a result in the contest, Berschel nearly doubled her tally in the 82nd minute, but her well-struck shot from distance was also tipped over the bar.
Minnesota would make it 3-1 with a goal in the 87th minute, putting the match out of reach.
The Fighting Illini will be back in action on Thursday, Oct. 12, to take on No. 20 Wisconsin at Demirjian Park for the ‘Kick Cancer’ match. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. CT.
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