Illinois soccer broke its two-game losing streak on Sunday after defeating Purdue away in West Lafayette. The Illini earned their first Big Ten victory since Sept. 22, when they downed the Terrapins in College Park.

“To regroup this week and come into West Lafayette and get the first win here in program history says a lot about the resilience of this team,” said head coach Janet Rayfield via a press release. “Today was a better full 90 minutes and our midfield accepted the challenge we gave them at halftime and they really stepped up in the second half.”

Illinois has been prone to conceding first-minute goals in 2022, but on Sunday it was redshirt senior midfielder Kendra Pasquale to strike first, 15 seconds into the contest.

Pasquale wasted no time in winning possession from the Boilermakers and dribbling into space before firing off an incredible long-range strike that sailed into the top right corner of the net. The spectacular finish was the second-fastest goal in Illini program history. Illinois 1-0 Purdue.

The Boilermakers would respond in the 14th minute. A poor clearance in the box by the Illini fell to Gabby Hollar, who struck a first-time shot past junior goalkeeper Julia Cili for the equalizer. Illinois 1-1 Purdue.

Both sides had numerous chances throughout the remainder of the first half with no further success, entering the break level at one goal apiece.

Coming out of halftime, Illinois upped the pace offensively, and earned a penalty kick in the 59th minute. Sophomore forward Maeve Jones managed to evade a defender before being fouled in the Purdue box. Pasquale stepped up to take the penalty and managed a cool finish into the left corner, sending the Boilermaker goalkeeper diving in the wrong direction. Illinois 2-1 Purdue.

Now back in front, the Illini dropped back to defend the lead. Purdue only managed a single shot during the remainder of the match, while Illinois nearly added a third goal in the 74th minute. A free kick from well outside the area was hit well by sophomore midfielder Sydney Stephens, hitting the crossbar before being scooped up by the Boilermakers’ keeper.

Illinois was able to hold on to the one goal lead and finish out the remainder of the game, claiming its second conference victory of the year. The three points have boosted the Illini into eighth place in the Big Ten standings with seven points, with Purdue continuing to sit in last place with zero wins this season.

Pasquale’s heroics against the Boilermakers is the second time the redshirt senior has won a match for the Illini, with the first instance being on Sept. 4 against Indiana State. Pasquale has one assist this season and is the Illini’s top goal scorer with five goals in 14 matches played. The midfielder has been the most productive offensive player for Illinois so far with 11 points, and consistently puts in strong performances week in and week out.

Illinois (7-5-2 overall, 2-3-1 B1G) will travel to Lincoln next for a showdown with Nebraska (5-4-5 overall, 3-1-2 B1G). The match will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.

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