CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois soccer (5-5-2, 1-2-1) secured a massive three points in Big Ten play with a 1-0 shutout victory over Maryland (3-6-4, 0-4-1) today at Demirjian Park.
Sarah Foley’s eighth goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 17th minute was all that was needed for the Illini to capture their first win in conference play this season, as the Orange and Blue held the Terrapins to just one shot on goal in the match.
The visitors looked to jump out to an early lead by winning a corner kick just seconds into the match, but after clearing the danger from the ensuing set piece, it was all Illini for the rest of the first half.
Emma Yee and Sarah Foley each had shots blocked in the fourth and 12th minutes, respectively, as Illinois dominated possession in the early minutes.
The pressure paid off in the 17th minute, when Mya Archibald was quickest to an errant pass just outside of the penalty area and was brought down in the area as she beat her defender. Foley stepped up to take the penalty kick and sent the Maryland keeper the wrong way, calmly sliding the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Her eight goals lead the squad and are most scored by an Illini in a single season since 2018.
Illinois nearly doubled its lead in the 23rd minute when a mad scramble in the box led to a chance for Lia Howard on the doorstep, but the Maryland keeper made an excellent reaction save to the deny the junior.
Again the Illini looked certain…
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