In its final home game of the season Sunday, Illinois (12-2-1, 5-2-1) captured its 12th win, defeating Purdue (5-8-3, 2-5-1) 1-0 on sophomore forward Cayla Jackson’s game-winning goal early in the match. This marks the program’s most wins in 14 years. The game wasn’t a pretty one for the Illini, but they gutted out a win before hitting the road for the last three games of the season.
“It feels good to know that we’re executing the things that we’ve been taught, and it’s truly clicking for us as a team,” Jackson said. “It’s sad to see our seniors go because they paved the way for us phenomenally, but it feels really good.”
Starting hot, staying hot
After a physical game against Rutgers (3-6-4, 1-6-1) Thursday, Illinois didn’t start Sunday’s match fatigued. The Illini played fast and applied pressure on the Boilermakers from the jump. This helped Illinois keep the ball in its attacking third and find scoring opportunities early.
Jackson’s ability to make an offense uncomfortable continues to be an asset. In the ninth minute, Jackson intercepted a pass between two Purdue players near the midfield, took advantage of Purdue junior goalkeeper Emily Edwards coming out of the box and scored the only goal of the contest.
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“We knew the goalie played high on her line,” Jackson said. “So being able to pick those balls off and hit that shot was going to be open every single time. I’m glad that we got to take that risk today.”
After Jackson’s goal, Purdue began to find its footing. The Boilermakers retained possession for longer periods and took more shots, but the Illini didn’t falter. While Purdue’s increased pressure caused some mistakes, it didn’t keep Illinois from maintaining the lead.
Expecting, stopping shots
Purdue ranks third in the Big Ten in shots this season (235). Redshirt junior goalkeeper Izzy Lee had her work cut out for her against the dynamic Boilermaker offense. Although they didn’t come out of the gate striking hot, the Boilermakers started to settle in and find their scoring opportunities.
At the end of the first half, Purdue had 11 shots and six shots on goal. Lee withstood its offensive threat with six saves in the half, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of Illinois. The Boilermakers ran out of steam in the second half. They took three shots, with only one on goal, in the last 45 minutes of play. Head coach Katie Hultin said halftime adjustments helped contain the Purdue offense.
“We changed our formation a little, which helped us defensively,” Hultin said. “I think that was a big piece of it … Really minor adjustment, but I think that helped quite a bit. They came out in a different formation than they’ve played, but we sort of anticipated that and we were fine with it.”
As Purdue’s shot opportunities decreased, both teams stayed in the neutral third in the second half. Neither team could separate itself from the other, but the Illini already had a 1-0 advantage. Lee and Illinois’ backline were crucial in maintaining the lead by making adjustments coming out of halftime.
“I think we’re just on top of everything,” Lee said about the Illini backline. “We’re not letting easy chances go through. I think our communication has been amazing as well.”
Lee finished the contest with seven saves and recorded her ninth shutout of the year. Her composure and confidence in the goal are essential to her successful performances. While she did almost give up an open net goal Sunday, Lee didn’t let it affect the rest of her game.
“I think it’s the mindset,” Lee said. “‘I made that mistake, now, let’s try to be clean the rest of the game and get it back and not let them get any more chances.’”
Final stand at Demirjian
The atmosphere at Demirjian Park was electric and exciting all season long. Even on Sunday afternoon games, the Illini fans still showed up and showed out for their home team. Jackson appreciated this during her first season as an Illini.
“Whether it’s a Thursday night, freezing cold or raining here on a Sunday, (the fans) definitely come out and support,” Jackson said. “Even the younger kids, from ages five to 80. It’s amazing.”
Sunday also marked the final home game for Illinois’ seniors. Their leadership this season is a huge reason why the Illini continue adding to the win column.
“They left their legacy here at Demirjian,” Hultin said. “Their final year here has been one for the scrapbook, the memory book, the record book. But, they’ve led us through this. It’s been a player-led team, and they have been the leaders, and they’re just so driven and so committed. I’m so happy they all stayed, and I’m so happy I got to coach them here at Demirjian for their last year.”
