Ever since the team traveled together to St. Louis in July to see The Lumineers in concert, senior forward Lia Howard knew the 2025 Illini were going to be special. Now, in October, Illinois starts its final stretch of regular season games against Northwestern and No. 16 Michigan State. Even with all the “lasts” Howard is experiencing, she is ready to find success in some of her final weeks playing at Illinois.
“I’m looking forward to grinding it out with this group,” Howard said. “I’m so grateful to play with them every single day. So just to get on the field three more times, compete against great teams, showcase ourselves and our talent, that’s exciting, and I can’t wait to do it.”
Away from home
To conclude its final three regular-season matches, Illinois will be on the road. Playing on the road comes with challenges for any team, such as experiencing opposing teams’ atmospheres and finding recovery time when traveling. However, the Illini are preparing themselves the same way they have all season.
“We’ve had so many away trips so far,” Howard said. “We’re not going to change what we’ve done because it’s gone so well for us. We prioritize recovery, sleep (and) nutrition the best we can on the road.”
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With an away record of 7-1, the Illini aren’t fazed by going into opposing territory. Howard said Illinois’ team chemistry benefits from road trips because it allows the team to grow in its relationships with one another off the field. This off-field chemistry the Illini created during the year translates directly to their success on the field.
“We take our travel trips pretty serious when it comes to team bonding,” Howard said. “We have karaoke, team bonding exercises and meals together. So, doing the same thing that we have because we found success in our past trips.”
Backline’s toughest tests
In both of the Illini’s matchups this week, their opponents have offensive firepower. For Northwestern, that starts with sophomore forward Kennedy Roesch. Roesch has been a persistent presence on the Wildcat’s frontline this season.
The sophomore is No. 1 in the Big Ten in shots (49) this season and is tied with Illinois senior forward Sarah Foley for No. 1 in shots on target (24). She also has six goals on the year so far. In Illinois’ match against Northwestern in 2024, it held Roesch to no goals and only two shots on goal.
The Illini backline is ready for the challenge of Roesch and the Wildcats on Thursday. In its victory on Sunday, Illinois held Purdue to only three shots in the second half, thanks to the play of the backline. With Illinois’ lineup containing younger players in the back, senior defender Ellen Persson’s leadership helped make Illinois successful thus far.
“I’ve just tried to be really positive with them and give them just my encouragement and support and really try to communicate as much as I can,” Persson said.
Turning the page to Michigan State, Illinois’ defense will be tested as much or more than it will against Northwestern. The Spartans are No. 1 in the Big Ten in goals scored (36), No. 4 in shots (218) and No. 5 in shots on target (94) this season. They also have the top goal scorer in the Big Ten: junior forward Kennedy Bell. Bell sits on top of the conference in goals this year with nine.
Containing Bell will be a challenge, but the Illini backline is prepared. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded her ninth shutout of the season Sunday and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Howard characterized Lee as “a brick wall.” She has been just that in Illinois’ matchups against other top offensive teams like Penn State and Purdue.
“Even at practice every single day, (Lee) makes us so much better,” Howard said. “She makes our attack so much better, challenges us every day and she really is one of the best goalkeepers in the country. So, to have her has been just an honor.”
Ready to attack
The defensive statistics for Northwestern and Michigan State appear on opposite ends of the Big Ten leaderboards. The Wildcats allowed the fourth fewest goals (12) this year, while the Spartans allowed the third most goals (19). Michigan State freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning is No. 13 in the Big Ten in saves (38).
Foley and sophomore forwards Cayla Jackson and Emma Yee have six goals each for the Illini this season. For an Illinois frontline that features effective goal scorers, exploiting Michigan State’s weakness will be necessary in the coming match.
On the flip side, Northwestern’s defense will be tougher to face. However, Howard said the frontline is focused on continuing to learn how one another plays and using each other’s strengths to be successful.
“We all bring something new and special to the table … Continuing to learn the tendencies of each player, we’re going to try and do that on Thursday,” Howard said. “We know exactly how it’s gonna go once we’re all on the same page. It could be really special.”
