Illinois soccer continues scoring start to the season

The women's Illinois soccer team stayed undefeated, demolishing Valparaiso on Sunday by a score of 6-0.

This year's senior day for the Illini got off to a quick start as Sarah Foley, who has had quite the season thus far, corralled a bouncing ball into the back of the net just 51 seconds into the game.

That was just the start of an offensive onslaught in the first half. After many solid chances and strong offensive possession, Cayla Jackson was able to whip a ball into the bottom right corner to double the lead.

Two more goals by Emma Yee in the 34th and 42nd minutes helped the team jump out to a 4-0 lead at halftime.

Foley continued to add to her already filled stat sheet by adding two more goals in the second half to complete her hat-trick. This marks the first three-goal performance by an Illini since 2021.

This whole game serves as an exemplification of what first-year head coach Katie Hultin and her staff have been able to provide to this program.

Now winning its 7th game in a row to start the season, Illinois has tied its best start to a season, matching the 2004 season.

Hultin’s approach has revolutionized Illinois soccer and given it the spark it has so desperately needed and deserved.

Illini fans are some of the best in the nation, and that has been evident in the large attendance the team has seen this season. Filled stands were nothing but a dream last season, but this year's team has made that a reality.

These people have deserved a winning program, and Hultin’s squad has been able to provide just that.