CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Northwestern defense put forth another strong showing Saturday night at Illinois, but the Illini found the back of the net midway through the second half to claim a 1-0 win.
Kara Marbury's header off a free kick in the 69th minute was one of Illinois' two shots on goal on the night, but it made the difference in the match.
Northwestern outshot Illinois 13-5 overall and put six shots on goal. The 'Cats also had 10 corner kicks.
Senior Kassidy Gorman led the way with four of the Wildcats' 13 shots, three of which were on target. First years Madi Kennel and Mikayla Hampton each got off two shots of their own. Hampton, Kylie Fisher and Kayla Sharples all forced the opposing goalie to make saves.
Northwestern and Illinois entered the halftime break scoreless, but the Wildcats dominated the first 45 minutes. NU outshot Illinois, 7-1, and put two shots on goal compared to none for the Illini.
The 'Cats continued to pressure Illinois in the second half, outshooting the Illini again, 6-4.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns home Thursday for a three-match homestand when Minnesota visits Martin Stadium for an 8 p.m. kick on Big Ten Network.
Kara Marbury's header off a free kick in the 69th minute was one of Illinois' two shots on goal on the night, but it made the difference in the match.
Northwestern outshot Illinois 13-5 overall and put six shots on goal. The 'Cats also had 10 corner kicks.
Senior Kassidy Gorman led the way with four of the Wildcats' 13 shots, three of which were on target. First years Madi Kennel and Mikayla Hampton each got off two shots of their own. Hampton, Kylie Fisher and Kayla Sharples all forced the opposing goalie to make saves.
Northwestern and Illinois entered the halftime break scoreless, but the Wildcats dominated the first 45 minutes. NU outshot Illinois, 7-1, and put two shots on goal compared to none for the Illini.
The 'Cats continued to pressure Illinois in the second half, outshooting the Illini again, 6-4.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns home Thursday for a three-match homestand when Minnesota visits Martin Stadium for an 8 p.m. kick on Big Ten Network.