Aug. 28, 2009

Final Stats

DENVER - The No. 13 Illinois soccer team picked up its first significant win of the young season, moving to a record of 2-0-0 in defeating No. 18 Colorado 2-1 on Friday. The match was part of the DU Invitational, and the first-ever game played at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Junior forward Jordan Hilbrands came off the bench to score both of the Illini's goals, leading the Orange and Blue to their first win over a ranked opponent since the 2007 season.

"This was a very good win for us," Illini head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We're pleased in being able to beat a Big 12 team on the road. It was a great college soccer match between two good teams. As a whole it was a pretty evenly played game - there were times when we possessed the ball and looked very good, and there were times when Colorado did the same. We were able to be opportunistic and finish the scoring chances we got, which is great.

"Overall, the defense did a great job. Krystin Miller especially was very solid in the back. I'm bummed we gave up a goal late, but it's a great opportunity to see what we did and how we didn't organize ourselves at the end."

Hilbrands' first goal came in the 31st minute, as she scored to the right side of the goal after taking a pass inside the box from senior midfielder Courtney Bell. The Illini carried a 1-0 lead into half, although Colorado owned a 7-6 shot advantage in the first.

"We have been working on the timing of our runs and finding the space to play between defenders," Rayfield said. "Courtney saw the gap in the defense and got the ball to Jordan, who created the scoring opportunity on her run and was able to finish."

Hilbrands made the score 2-0 in favor of Illinois in the 53rd, as she dribbled up the left side of the field and beat Buffaloes' goalkeeper Kara Linder to tally her second goal of the game. The junior now has three goals in two games in 2009, more than she had in her freshman and sophomore years combined.

"The second goal was more of an individual effort," Rayfield said. "(Hilbrands) took on a defender one-on-one and was able to beat the keeper. Today's game should be great for her confidence in terms of finishing."

Illinois was unable to preserve the shutout, as Kassidy Fitzpatrick scored for Colorado in the 90th minute to make the final 2-1. Fitzpatrick had her initial shot blocked, then got her own rebound and scored. Senior goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka made three saves for the Fighting Illini.

For the match, Colorado out-shot Illinois 16-14 and owned a 4-2 advantage on corners. Illini forwards Chichi Nweke and Shayla Mutz had three shots apiece, while sophomore Julie Ewing and freshman Niki Read each had a near-miss on goal.