Huskers Fall to Illinois on Senior Day, 2-1

Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska soccer team (8-6-4, 4-3-3 Big Ten) fell to Illinois, 2-1, in its penultimate game of the regular season at Hibner Stadium on Sunday.

Before the match, the Huskers honored Caroline Buelt, Faith Carter, Michaela Loebel, Lauren Smith and Savanah Uveges as part of their Senior Day ceremony.

During the match, Illinois struck first when Makena Silber buried a shot from the middle of the box after a pass from Kelly Maday in the third minute. The Fighting Illini extended their lead to 2-0 in the 24th minute when Maday scored her fourth goal of the season off an assist from Morgan Maroney.

Illinois held its 2-0 advantage until the 64th minute when Carter’s header found the back of the net off a free kick from Brenna Ochoa. It was Carter’s team-high ninth goal of the season, which ranks third in the Big Ten. It was Ochoa’s team-high seventh assist, tied for the most by an individual in the Big Ten.

Junior goalkeeper Aubrei Corder earned one save in 90 minutes of action. Grace Brown, who played all 90 minutes, also saved an Illini shot.

Nebraska is tied for eighth in the Big Ten standings with Northwestern following Sunday’s result. The Huskers and Wildcats each have 15 points (three points for a win, one point for a tie). Northwestern concluded its regular season with a tie against Iowa on Sunday.

The Huskers finish the regular season on Wednesday when they host Michigan State at Hibner Stadium, starting at noon (CT).