Soccer

Finishing has been the primary point of emphasis all season for the Illini soccer team, and for the second straight week it proved to be its Achilles heel.

Despite putting up seven shots in the first half and 13 for the game, the Illini (7-9-3, 2-6-2 Big Ten) were unable to find the back of the net for the second consecutive match Friday, dropping a 1-0 contest at Northwestern (7-10-2, 4-5-1). With the loss, the Illini are officially out of NCAA Tournament contention since a .500 record is required to qualify.

With one game left and a chance to break even on the season, the Illini soccer team has one thing on its mind — pride. Going into tonight’s finale at Northwestern, the Illini are only focusing on the present.

A strong offensive showing on Friday was followed up by a tough Senior Day loss on Sunday for the Illini soccer team.

The Illini broke out of an offensive dry spell in grand fashion Friday night, scoring a season-high five goals in a 5-0 rout of Michigan State (9-4-4, 2-4-2).

The fighting Illini soccer team returns to Urbana this weekend for their final home appearances this season. It couldn’t come at a better time for this struggling squad.

A dark cloud hovered over Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium on Thursday night, soaking the handful of spectators assembled and providing a stinging metaphor for the Illini soccer team's postseason hopes after a 3-0 loss to No. 19 Ohio State.

After stumbling out of the gate in Big Ten play, the Illini soccer team seems to have found a cure for its goal-scoring woes, as proven by its three-goal frenzy last weekend at Iowa.

A trio of defenders sparked a three-goal rally for the Illinois soccer team Saturday night, helping the team overcome an early deficit in a 3-1 come-from-behind win at Iowa. The win gave the Illini their first Big Ten victory of the season and marked their highest offensive output since a 3-1 win over UW-Milwaukee on Sept. 20.

Head coach Janet Rayfield brought the Illini soccer team together for a meeting this week after a 1-0 loss to Wisconsin in which she questioned the Illini's effort. It seemed the team that started the season in the top 20 had become flat, and she knew they would need to rally to climb back to the top of the conference. Since that meeting, the team has responded emphatically with some of its most spirited practices to date.

For the first time this season, Illinois' head coach was noticeably upset with her team's effort — something not easily corrected in practice.