Illini Challenge Cup
Hey Hot Shots!!
This was a huge weekend for Soccer as your #11 Illini took on #9 UCLA as well as UCSB in the Illini Challenge Cup putting their mark on the season at 3-1-1. On Friday, we barely fell to UCLA 2-1 in a nail-bitter-to-the-end. Both teams played their hearts out, but the difference was the quick goal the Bruins scored in the 4th minute. Senior Chichi Nweke scored her first goal (18th for her career) on the season right before halftime, but a Bruin surge early in the 2nd half led to the deciding goal. The girls played some of the best soccer of the season, but even their continuous bombardment at the end of the game could not produce an equalizer.
The team bounced back Sunday though to crush the Gauchos 3-0 in a completely dominating performance by our side. Junior Jordan Hilbrands had 2 quick goals right off the start, and Nicki Read had a goal and assist later in the game, helping her to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Sophomore Marissa Mykines also tallied up 2 assists.
The girls are away at Portland and Washington this weekend, and return home for their match against Loyola on Friday, Sep. 18th at 7pm. More info to come soon!
Last but definitely not least, Akhil and I want to thank you all for coming out to both of the games and I know Coach Rayfield, the team, and the parents all appreciated our support. Lets keep it up and show why we deserve to keep our crown as the Big Ten School with the highest home attendance!!