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NCAA women Hurless' record goal, stifling defense send No. 13 Illinois past 10th-ranked Kansas 1-0.
Hurless set a school career record for game-winning goals in the first half, lifting the Illini to a 1-0 triumph over 10th-ranked Kansas before 290 at Illinois Soccer Stadium today. Hurless has four goals this season and all have been game-winners. She now has 13 winners in her four years at IU, eclipsing Emily Brown who netted her 12th in 2000. The Illini, sparked by a defense that posted its third shutout of the season, handed the Jayhawks (6-1) their first loss in the non-conference match. "Defensively, we now know we can handle a good attacking team," Illinois coach Janet Rayfield said. "The key is now that we do it consistently. We showed today what we are capable of. The Big Ten season will determine if we can do it day in and day out." Illinois opens its Big 10 campaign with road games Friday at Michigan State and Sunday at Michigan. In the 27th minute, the Illini frontrunners took advantage of a Kansas defensive breakdown following a save by goalkeeper Meghan Miller. Miller's was unable to control the rebound which was controlled by Illinois. Freshman Ella Masar and sophomore Jessica Bayne registered the assists after finding Hurless in front of the net. Illinois outshot the Jayhawks 14-8 with Miller making eight saves to keep Kansas close. Leisha Alcia was called on for only two saves to record the Illini clean sheet "I thought that we played OK, but we just made a mental mistake and one of their girls got loose and was able to score," KU coach Mark Francis said. "It was a tough game. I thought they played really tight on defense, especially in the second half, and we were not able to get any offensive pressure. We will just have to see how we respond after this." |
