On Friday night, Illinois soccer will open the Homecoming weekend with a game against Wisconsin. 

Sunday’s game against Maryland saw Illinois take home its first Big Ten win in a 2-1 scoreline. After going down early, the Illini came back to score two goals in the second half to get them in the win column. 

Against the Badgers, head coach Janet Rayfield wants to see the team continue the flank play that was displayed in the Maryland match. 

The combination of Ashley Cathro, Kendra Pasquale and Ashleigh Lefevre helped push the offense up in order to get well-ordered attacks at goal. 

“We talked a little bit in film this morning about why we were successful on that flank and, you know, the support around the ball and moving off the ball,” Rayfield said. “I think our flank play is something that we want to continue to see.” 

In addition to the flank play, Rayfield also mentioned how the midfield did a much better job of connecting the team from the front to back, as well as the side. 

Down in the goalkeeping net, Rayfield has made yet another change. With only two keepers on the roster, there has been a lot of switching back and forth between both rookies. 

Julia Cili started the season but suffered a concussion. Naomi Jackson stepped in, flourished quickly and gained attention but was unable to maintain that consistency. 

Against the Terrapins, Cili saw the field once again, coming on within the first few minutes of the game. 

“Over the last couple of weeks, Cili has gotten back to a point where her performance has become consistent again,” Rayfield said. “I think coming off a concussion and getting back into things the consistency wasn’t there.”

In terms of Jackson, she can make the big saves in big moments but still struggles. 

“As a young freshman that I think (she) has struggled to find consistency that it takes to really be the go-to in those moments,” Rayfield said. 

Looking at Wisconsin, the Badgers hold a 2-2-1 record in the Big Ten, and fifth-year Jordyn Bloomer is the leader of the team. 

Bloomer doesn’t step foot outside her 18-yard box, but she makes save after save and will be a huge presence in the net. 

As an Illinois offense collectively, they know who she is and have experience going against the Hartland, Wisconsin native. 

“It’ll be really important for us to use a lot of numbers in our depth and really create chances where we’re not shooting right at her because she can cover a big ground, but I think working to get online slots across the box keeping our shots low and on frame has been something we’ve been talking a lot about,” Pasquale said. 

Against Wisconsin, Illinois will do whatever it takes to get the win Friday night. 

Kickoff will begin at 6 p.m. central time and will be livestreamed on Big Ten Network Plus. 

@AngelleCortes

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