Illinois Edges Marquette in Spring Play, 1-0

April 14, 2007

VALLEY FIELDS - - The Marquette women's soccer team was edged, 1-0, by Illinois Saturday afternoon at Valley Fields. The Golden Eagles created many opportunities, especially in the second half, but the Illini's lone first half goal proved to be all Illinois needed to sneak past Marquette in spring play.

"Overall, I am very happy with our play today," said associate head coach Frank Palaez. "Illinois is a very talented team that had a lot of success last season. This game definitely will help us prepare for the fall. We have to remember that although we are here to win, this is also a learning environment. Ladies who don't' usually see that much playing time, gave us a lot of minutes today."

The Golden Eagles had a chance to get on the board first when Marquette was awarded a corner kick. Sophomore Katie Kelly served the ball in far post where junior Allison Mallams was able to one time the ball towards the goal. The shot was broken up and the Illini keeper saved Marquette's second attempt.

"Mallams played good today. She creates a lot of things and our players feed off her confidence."

Illinois took the 1-0 lead when it blasted a shot from about 30 yards out which Marquette junior goalkeeper Laura Boyer tried to punch out of the goal. The ball ended up going between her and the crossbar, and into the back of the net.

Moments later, freshman Katie Miller took the Illini keeper one-on-one pushing to tie the game. But just as the ball was about to cross the goal line, an Illinois defender cleared the ball out denying Marquette of its opportunity to even the score.

In the second half, Marquette regrouped and created many chances, particularly in the final 15 minutes of the game. Mallams, junior Britni Benage and sophomore Michelle Compty all took shots for Marquette. Also, players who haven't had much playing time saw substantial minutes against Illinois. Sophomore goalkeeper Christy Smith played the entire 45 minutes of the second frame between the posts for Marquette.

" I thought in the second half we created a lot more," added Palaez. "There was a sense of urgency in the last 15 minutes of that we wanted to score and we wanted to win. This is the first time outside this spring. We had good energy today."

The Golden Eagles will continue spring play Thursday, April 19, when it host Wis.-Green Bay and Loyola (Ill.) at Valley Fields beginning at 5 p.m.