Illinois soccer looks to continue Big Ten momentum with away clash versus No. 17 Penn State
Redshirt senior midfielder Kendra Pasquale goes to kick the ball during the second half against Missouri on Sept. 9. The Illini will be traveling to Pennsylvania to go up against No. 8 Penn State on Sunday.
September 24, 2022
Now with some wind in its sails, Illinois soccer will be heading to University Park for a Sunday morning clash with No. 17 Penn State. The Illini earned their first Big Ten win of 2022 in their last match and will be aiming to take that momentum into Nittany Lions territory.
Illinois had a dramatic showing against Maryland last Thursday. After conceding a goal mere seconds into the contest, the Illini managed to rebound in the second half and win the contest by a 3-2 scoreline.
The Illini currently hold a 1-1 record in the conference, though the nature of the matches played to this point leaves many questions as to where exactly the team is at. While Illinois showed immense resilience playing away at Maryland, it opened Big Ten play with a dreadful performance against Michigan State the week prior. In an upcoming matchup against the favorites to win the Big Ten this year, the Illini would do well to take any points away from the Nittany Lions on Sunday.
Historically, Illinois trails in the all-time series against Penn State. The Illini only have four wins compared to the Nittany Lions’ 30 and lost the previous encounter 2-0. A win on Sunday would serve as Illinois’ first over Penn State since 2012.
Penn State is also in good form, currently on a four-game unbeaten streak with its most recent result being a 2-0 triumph over No. 4 Rutgers. Undoubtedly, Illinois will be the underdogs in Sunday’s matchup. The Illini will need to be on their game if they hope to secure their first ranked victory since taking down No. 17 Butler back in August.
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There is a high likelihood that Illinois will be once again relying on the top-tier performances of junior goalkeeper Julia Cili. With the most saves in the Big Ten conference (44) currently, Cili has been a brick wall in goal. Her services will be put to the test against a Penn State team that has a 78% overall win percentage this season.
Illinois (6-3-1 overall, 1-1 B1G) will go to work against No. 17 Penn State (6-1-2 overall, 1-0-1 B1G) in search of a second straight victory. The match kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday in University Park.
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