| WEEK 5: Illinois (4-2-1, 0-0-0) vs. Minnesota (5-0-1) | |
|---|---|
| Match 8: Minnesota | Thursday, Sept. 12 // 7 p.m. CT // Demirjian Park // Champaign, Ill. |
| Watch Live | Minnesota |
| Live Stats | FightingIllini.com |
| Printable Notes | Illinois // Minnesota |
| Shop | Online Store |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois soccer returns to Demirjian Park as they begin Big Ten play vs. Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.
The 2024 season marks the 28th season of Illinois soccer, with the Illini holding an overall record of 287-219-47 (.567), and the 23rd season under the leadership of head coach Janet Rayfield.
PROMOTIONS
B1G Opener – Illinois soccer begins Big Ten play at Demirjian Park.
MVP Most Valuable Professor – Illini Soccer student-athletes will honor their MVP (Most Valuable Professor) in a halftime ceremony.
LAST TIME OUT
The Illini went 1-1-0 last matchweek in their first road matches of the season.
On Sept. 5 at Georgia, Illinois was shutout for the first time this season as the Bulldogs cruised to a 2-0 win. Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee made a career-high eight saves in the defeat.
The Orange and Blue bounced back on Sept. 8 at Mercer, coming away with a 3-2 victory. Claire Murray scored her first goal of her collegiate career just 42 seconds into the match, becoming Illinois’ 11th different goalscorer this season. Sarah Foley’s brace in the second half powered the Illini to victory. Lee came up big again in the contest, making nine saves to set a new career-high mark.
SCOUTING MINNESOTA
The Fighting Illini own a 13-11-5 all time record against the Golden Gophers. The last meeting between the two programs came on Oct. 8, 2023, when Minnesota took down the Orange and Blue 3-1 in Minneapolis.
Minnesota travels to Champaign with a 5-0-1 record on the season. Their previous matchweek featured two home matches, including a 3-0 win against Army on Sept. 5, and a 1-1 draw against Brown on Sept. 8.
In the Big Ten Conference Preseason Poll, Minnesota was tabbed to finish 14th with forward Khyah Harper, and midfielders Sophia Boman and Sophia Romine being named to the Big Ten Players to Watch list. Khyah Harper has also received Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors and her eight goals on the season is good for third most in the…
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