Badgers Fall to Illinois, 3-0
October 14, 2007 | Women's Soccer
The Wisconsin women's soccer team fell to Illinois, 3-0, Sunday afternoon in Champaign, Ill. UW dropped to 5-7-1 overall and 1-4 in the Big Ten while Illinois improved to 8-4-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the conference.
Early in the first half, the Fighting Illini had numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them. Jordan Hilbrands took a shot that was deflected off the crossbar. Moments later, Courtney Bell had a shot on goal that was saved by Wisconsin netminder Jamie Klages (Coronado, Calif.).
Illinois' first and eventual game-winning goal came in the 44th minute of play off a free kick by Danielle Kot. Kot sent a ball sailing to teammate Kara Gostisha who then headed the ball to the back of the net from six yards out, giving the Fighting Illini a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The Badgers came into the second half strong offensively as Tricia Krombach (Appleton, Wis.) had a header shot in the 46th minute which sailed just outside the net. Seconds later, Krombach took another shot but again was unable to capitalize as it flew wide right.
Wisconsin's next scoring opportunity came in the 60th minute when senior Taylor Walsh (Madison, Wis.) had a shot on goal which was saved by Illinois keeper Lindsey Carstens.
The Fighting Illini notched its second goal in the 80th minute when junior Charlotte Cooke had a breakaway shot from Marti Desjarlais. The goal was Cooke's first of the season and left Illinois up 2-0.
Less than two minutes later, the Illini notched their third goal of the game when freshman Cory Steigerwald took a shot from the left corner of the box which was deflected in. The goal was Steigerwald's third of the season and left the score 3-0 to end the match.
At the end of the game, Krista Liskevych (Encinitas, Calif.) led the Badgers with two shots, both of which were on goal. Walsh and Krombach also tallied two shots. Both teams ' netminders Klages and Carstens notched three saves.
Wisconsin had two corner kicks, while Illinois took one. UW trailed in shots 6-to-18.
The Badgers resume play next weekend as they travel to Michigan to take on Big Ten rivals Michigan State and Michigan. UW's first match will be Friday, Oct. 19 against Michigan State at 4 p.m. The Badgers will then take on Michigan at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.
