In 2013, the Illinois soccer team scored more goals (54) in a season than it ever had in the Janet Rayfield era. The team also allowed the most goals (50) in a season under Rayfield.

Defense was the main point of emphasis during the offseason for the Illini who finished 11-9-3 last season. The team made the Big Ten tournament as well as the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16. But expectations are even higher for a squad improving on a glaring weakness.

“Defensively, we’re so far ahead of where we were at the same time last year,” Rayfield said.

The good news for Illinois is that three regular starters return on the backline. Sophomore Casey Conine and juniors Amy Feher and Aliina Weykamp earned valuable minutes of experience last season even though they struggled as a unit. Sophomore Hope D’Addario will also return as a key contributor after breaking her collarbone last season.

Goalkeeper will also feature a competitive position battle. Sophomore Claire Wheatley started 22 matches in 2013 and made 101 saves, the second-most in the Big Ten. But the job is not necessarily hers. Sophomore Michelle Denley transferred to Illinois from Bowling Green and freshman Darci Dietrich will fight for time in goal. Wheatley is also facing a fractured foot that she plans on playing through this season.

“There is this cohesiveness to that group having been together in the spring that certainly made starting this preseason a lot easier,” Rayfield said.

The team has already started off in good fashion with a 3-0 exhibition win against Indiana State on Aug. 16. It was a confidence boost that the defensive side was looking for.

“The shutout was probably the best thing we could have hoped for,” Conine said. “I think we’re really gelling back there.”

Flaws, offense look to build on 2013 success

A program record 23 goals and national recognition do not matter all that much to senior forward Jannelle Flaws right now. She is far from satisfied and knows there is a target on her back after her 2013 season.

“I like pressure situations,” Flaws said. “Things like that I can handle. As much as I have a target on my back, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded with great teammates.”

Even without Vanessa DiBernardo to assist in the midfield, Flaws and the Illini offense are poised for another productive year. Senior Nicole Breece and junior Taylore Peterson will provide steady leadership for the midfield. Beyond that, the team is young, but the younger players have shown they can contribute right away.

“With them, they’ve prepared this summer,” Flaws said. “It’s very noticeable when we step on the pitch. They’re fit. They’ve studied the game.”

DiBernardo to serve as assistant

Former Illinois midfielder and current Chicago Red Star Vanessa DiBernardo will return to Illinois to finish her degree and serve as a student assistant coach when the National Women’s Soccer League season ends.

The all-time leader in career assists for Illinois was the highest-ever Illini to be drafted when the Red Stars picked her fourth overall in the 2014 NWSL draft in January.

Alex can be reached at [email protected] and @AlexOrtiz2334.