CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Sophomore Alex Anthony converted a second half penalty kick to tie the match, but Illinois scored a late goal in the second overtime period to defeat the Maryland women's soccer team, 2-1, at the Illinois Soccer Stadium Sunday afternoon.
After a slow start, the Terrapins (5-6-0, 0-3-0 Big Ten) pushed the game offensively late in the first half and in the second half. Both teams recorded 14 shots with Anthony notching six of Maryland's efforts.
“I'm gutted for the girls today,” head coach Jonathan Morgan said. “They had great commitment going into the game. Their energy and focus was as good as it's been all season. Unfortunately it wasn't enough.”
“We've been struggling to create many quality chances but today that wasn't the case. We had dangerous opportunities and we just weren't able to capitalize. We'll roll up our sleeves and keep working.”
After senior keeper Rachelle Beanlands turned away an effort from Illinois star Janelle Flaws in the third minute, Gabby Galanti notched Maryland's first shot of the game in the fourth minute. Katie Murray then got Illinois on the board, controlling a long throw from Nicole Breece in the box before turning and finishing past Beanlands.
The middle of the half proved uneventful until the Terps got their foot in the game. Anthony missed just high in the 32nd minute after a Shannon Collins corner, before junior Lisa Bianchini saw her long range floated effort palmed over the bar by Illinois keeper Claire Wheatley in the 43rd minute.
In the 52nd minute, Anthony received a cross from Madison Turner, but her right-footed effort bounced off the side netting.
Anthony drew her penalty in the 58th minute. The sophomore attempted to chip Wheatley, but the Illinois keeper made the save. On the ensuing scramble, Wheatley dragged Anthony to the ground in a tangle of legs. Anthony ripped the ensuing spot kick into the roof of the net to tie the match at 1-1.
The Terps almost found the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute through Sarah Molina. The senior blasted a half volley from 25 yards out, but the shot was blocked.
Anthony continued to terrorize the Illinois defense late. In the 85th minute, she latched onto a left footed shot, but Wheatley was able to parry it away.
In the first overtime period, both Anthony and Maisie McCune had opportunities, but were unable to find the back of the net. Breece scored the winner for Illinois in the 108th minute.
Maryland returns to action on Thursday against Michigan. Action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. from Ludwig Field and the game will be broadcast live nationally on BTN.
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