After 106 minutes of a tough, gritty battle Illinois walked away with a tough 2-1 loss in Ann Arbor. 

“I’m really proud of the way we fought,”said head coach Janet Rayfield. “Michigan had most of the ball, but I thought we did a good job in terms of limiting a lot of their shots and shots that deflected from corner kicks and things like that. I thought the grit and the effort that we showed tonight was just really proud of that.”  

The match started off early with Illinois getting a penalty kick in the second minute. Kendra Pasquale was fouled in the box, but her shot was blocked. The ball bounced around and poacher Makena Silber was there to put the ball behind the net. 

From there Illinois had the advantage and used the momentum to have a strong start. Shot after shot, pass after pass the Illini were able to get behind the Wolverine defense, but ultimately their finishing failed them to extend the lead. 

After the 15 minute mark, Michigan began to find their rhythm to get the tie forcing Illinois to play a little bit more defensive to hold the lead. 

In the second half, the Wolverines got an extra boost as they tried their hardest to get the win on senior night. 

However Naomi Jackson had a stellar match in her first Big Ten game. Although suffering her first loss in the net, Jackson was a crucial point as to why they were able to hold Michigan the majority of the game. 

“To see her in her first Big Ten game against a ranked team on the road and just be challenged the way she was and come up with those saves, not just one or two, but consistently and come out and give balls and come out for corner kicks and get fouled every time and having to fight through fifth-years that are seasoned Big Ten players, I thought she showed some maturity tonight that is beyond her experience,” Rayfield said.  

The freshman made a total of 13 saves Friday night stopping Michigan from all areas around her box. 

The Wolverines inched closer to getting after every shot taken and it wasn’t until the 80th minute where they got their breakthrough. 

From a corner, a cross was sent deep into the six yard box, and Jackson was unable to grab it. It bounced from one Wolverine head to another and right on the goal line Meredith Haakenson scored the equalizer. 

The match went into overtime and golden goal so both teams were fighting hard for the win. Pasquale had two good chances on goal, but her finishing failed to get the winner. 

Then in the 106th minute Michigan had the golden chance and made Illinois regret their chances. 

Sammi Woods received the ball at the top of the six yard box and the fake shot fooled Sydney Stephens and her sliding shot found the back of the net. 

“I’m gutted for our team that we didn’t finish this game off and come away with a win or worst case a tie, but that doesn’t lessen the pride I have and how determined they were to compete for 90 to 100 to 110 minutes given that chance,” Rayfield said. “

Michigan ended the game with a total of 35 shots to Illinois’ 10. 

Next up for Illinois will see them back at Demirjian Park on Thursday, Sept. 23 against Purdue. 

@AngelleCortes 

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