Huskers Not Enough in 3-1 Setback at Illinois

Champaign, Ill. – Tied 0-0 at halftime, the Nebraska soccer team allowed three goals in the second half to fall to Illinois at Illinois Soccer Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With the loss, the Huskers drop to 6-7-2 on the season. NU is 2-5-2 in Big Ten play after splitting its games against Northwestern and Illinois over the weekend. The Fighting Illini improve to 9-4-3 overall and 3-3-3 in the Big Ten.

Nebraska’s offense controlled the ball in the first 27 minutes with four shots, but failed to convert against the stingy Illini defense. For the game, the Huskers and Illini produced the same number of shots on goal with six apiece. Illinois edged the Big Red in overall shots, 13-10.

Illinois had a flurry of opportunities at the start of the second half, as two headers by Kara Marbury gave the Illini the lead. She scored in the 52nd and 57th minutes. Illinois took a 3-0 lead in the 66th minute when Katherine Ratz scored off an assist from Taylore Peterson.

In the 82nd minute, Haley Hanson put the Huskers on the scoreboard when her shot hit the top crossbar and fell into the net. She led the offense in shots (4) and shots on goal (3).

Nebraska goalkeeper Erika Johnson earned the start and collected three saves, while surrendering two goals. Leslie Rowell subbed in for nearly four minutes for Johnson in the second half, and gave up one goal.

The Huskers continue their road stretch on Friday night at Iowa. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on BTN Plus.