Having the best start in program history is definitely a milestone to celebrate, but to get to that next level and become a powerhouse in the Big Ten, the women's Illinois soccer team needs to take care of business against ranked opponents--especially on their home pitch.
The Illini were presented with that opportunity as they welcomed top 25 opponents Penn State and Ohio State to Demirjian Park.
The Penn State match was a high-action, high-scoring affair with the first half ending 2-2. The second half continued in the same fashion, with each team scoring goals, first by Lia Howard in the 55th minute and Kaitlyn MacBean for the Nittany Lions in the 65th minute.
Then, in the 84th minute, Emma Yee records her first goal of the season. The Illini would go on to win 4-3. The Illini showed incredible resilience and were able to put their offensive players in positions to take quality shots. Howard recorded her first two goals of the season; Emma Yee recorded her second goal of the season; and Sydney Stevens opened her 2025 account by leveling the score in the first half. This was a quality win against a proven Big Ten opponent, an important next step for Coach Hultin's squad.
Unfortunately, the next match was more one-sided in favor of 23rd-ranked Ohio State. The Illini kept pace with the Buckeyes early in the first half, but the offensive firepower displayed in the match against Penn State hit a wall against the visitors from Columbus, Ohio. The second half was all Ohio State. Ohio State junior Ava Bramblett scored her first two goals of the season, and junior Elle Britt also opened her account in the 77th minute, securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.
Still, even with the loss, this has been the best start in school history. Illinois will have a chance to get back to their winning ways when they face the Maryland Terrapins on the road for a lunchtime showdown on Sunday. The game starts at 11 a.m. CT.