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Illinois Edges Women's Soccer 1-0 in Overtime
November 16, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Nov. 16, 2007
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - - Ella Maser's overtime goal gave Illinois a 1-0 win over the University of Louisville women's soccer team in the first round of the NCAA regionals Friday evening at Notre Dame's Alumni Field. The Cardinals close the season at 13-6-2, tying a school record for wins and playing in their second consecutive NCAA regional.
"Certainly, first and foremost, congratulations to Illinois, I thought it was a great game between two high caliber teams, unfortunately, we came out on the losing end," said U of L head coach Karen Ferguson.
The teams battled through a scoreless first half that saw U of L enter the break with a 3-2 shot advantage. The Cardinals' best scoring opportunity of the half came with under 10 minutes remaining. Freshman forward Kelsey Hunyadi sent a cross from the left side of the box to junior forward Shannon Smyth, whose header barely missed the top right corner of the goal.
The Illini came out in the second half with an early scoring opportunity. Maser sent a cross to Marti Desjarlais whose shot was high. For the next five minutes, Illinois continued to apply offensive pressure, aided by two corner kicks, but the Cardinal defense stood strong, stifling the Illini attack.
Brittany Garrett delivered Illinois' first shot on goal when she raced down the right side of the field and sent a shot from the top of the box where Louisville senior goalkeeper Joanna Haig collected the save.
The Cardinals quickly went back on attack. Senior midfielder Jen Avila sent a shot in from the right wing, but Illinois goalkeeper Lindsey Carstens stopped the ball to preserve the shutout. U of L was able to get off one more shot with about five minutes remaining in regulation, but Katie Owen's attempt from the far left side went wide. The teams entered the overtime period tied at 0-0, with five shots each.
Maser's game-winner came just 1:15 into the overtime period. Chichi Nweke set up the shot with a cross from the left side of the box which Maser headed in for her 12th goal of the season.
In the game, Illinois held a 6-5 edge in shots and had six corner kicks to Louisville's one. The Illini (12-6-2) will face the winner of the Notre Dame/Loyola-Chicago game Sunday.
U of L closes the 2007 season with a 13-6-2 record, tying the school mark for most wins in a season and making its second consecutive NCAA regional appearance.
"We are well on our way to building a tradition of national dominance," said Ferguson. "We thank our senior class for being a big reason in getting us to the NCAA tournament two years in a row. We will continue to build on the success they have left behind."
Notes: Louisville was 4-3-2 in overtime games this season.
The Cardinals have surrendered only 11 goals this year. They entered the game ranked fourth in the nation with a 0.446 goals-against average.
