CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois soccer (4-3-1) dropped its Big Ten opener to Minnesota (6-0-1), 1-0, tonight at Demirjian Park.
It was another impressive performance by Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee, who made eight saves in the match, but an 89th minute Golden Gopher goal from the penalty spot was the difference.
The Orange and Blue started out on the front foot, with Claire Murray forcing an early save in the seventh minute that resulted in an early corner. Mia Gildea had a sight at goal from the ensuing set piece, but her shot sailed wide of the target.
Lee was called into action in the eighth minute, making a spectacular save at full stretch to stop a shot from flying into the top right corner. The Western Springs, Ill., native, had a more comfortable save to make from the following corner kick to keep the match level.
Illinois’ defense held firm following the brief spell of Minnesota pressure and began to press again for an opener. In the 21st minute, Lia Howard spotted a Lauren Seppi run down the left wing, playing the freshman in behind, but Seppi fired wide of the target. Just 36 seconds later, some nice work from Howard again led to a chance for Ashley Stellon outside the area, but she was also unable to put the ball on frame.
In the 27th minute, Lee again denied the Gophers with another incredible diving stop and later would make her fifth save of the half in the 33rd minute. The redshirt sophomore would make a total of six saves in the…
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