Illinois Soccer’s defense shows early success

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Abby Elinsky (16) looks to dribble past her opponents during the game against Arizona State at the Illinois track and soccer stadium on August, 29, 2014. The Illini won 3-1.

It was four games into the 2013-2014 season and while the Illini had a record identical to what they have now (3-1), they had already conceded 11 goals, which is almost three times the number they have allowed so far this season: 4. 

It was clear from the beginning that this year’s defensive unit was different. This time last year, the team had not held their opponents scoreless. With two shutouts already, they are only one shutout away from matching last year’s total of three clean sheets. 

The defense has accomplished this feat even though head coach Janet Rayfield had to piece together a defense that includes freshman Abby Elinsky, who was recruited as an All-American forward from Ohio, and sophomore Hope D’Addario, who was out with an injury for most of last year, 

“(Right back) is definitely growing on me,” Elinsky said prior to Friday’s game against ASU. “I never played it before college so it’s a little different compared to up top, but I like it, and it’s a different role I have to take on, but I enjoy it,”

The defense has been bolstered by the play of sophomore goalkeepers Claire Wheatley and Michelle Denley, who have split time in net. 

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“The back line continues to step up,” Rayfield said after Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Oakland University. “They stayed focused to make sure they wouldn’t make the mistake that would cost us the game. Michelle’s strengths were a big part of what we were going to see in the second half, so we went with her, and she read the game very well.”

The Illini back four are not only taking care of their defensive duties, but they’re also doing their part on the offensive end, scoring three of the team’s seven goals. Right back Elinksy has notched two goals so far with junior Amy Feher adding one of her own. 

The back line of Feher, junior Aliina Weykamp, D’Addario and Elinsky limited Oakland to four shots and one corner on Sunday although there had been a few hiccups, namely the three goals that the team conceded to Notre Dame. 

“There’s certain things we have to work on,” D’Addario said after the opening day loss to Notre Dame. “But then also as a team, just competing, doing our best, and really working for each other out there on the field. We know we saw them last year, and it didn’t come with the outcome that we wanted so were ready to take it back this year.” 

Eliseo can be reached [email protected].