Nov. 1, 2009

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Eleven shots on goal wasn't enough to pick up a victory, as the Illinois soccer team closed out its home schedule on Sunday with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Michigan on Senior Day at the Illinois Soccer Stadium. The Illini dominated the statistics, with a 21-4 shots advantage over the Wolverines in the match and an 11-1 advantage in shots on goal.

"Our team was in a position to win, and we created all sorts of opportunities to score," Illini head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Michigan lives and dies by its defense. We just didn't get the goal we needed to break apart that defense. I think if we finished one of our early chances, it's a different game.

"We all worked hard. There wasn't anybody out there who didn't work to try to win this game ... It's a disappointing result."

Michigan (6-8-5, 1-3-5 Big Ten) scored the game-winner in the 74th. Amanda Bowery sent a crossed ball to Alex Jendrusch, who headed it into the back of the net from inside the box. The goal marked the Wolverine's only shot on frame in the entire match.

The Illini (7-8-3, 2-5-2) had countless offensive opportunities in both halves. Sophomore midfielder Marissa Mykines had eight shots in the game, double what the entire Michigan team had. The Illini also owned a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The match was tied 0-0 at half, despite Illinois having nine shots with several close chances. Mykines fired a shot from outside the 18 in the 22nd minute, hitting the crossbar. A minute later, senior Chichi Nweke had her own near-miss as she one-timed a pass from Jordan Hilbrands for a shot that Michigan keeper Haley Kopmeyer was just able to tip over the goal.

The Illini out-shot Michigan 12-2 in the second half, including a free kick by Mykines that sailed just high and a shot on goal by Hilbrands where Kopmeyer made a diving save. Mykines had a total of four shots on goal in the match, while Hilbrands and Nweke each had two and senior Jackie Santacaterina had three total shots. Kopmeyer finished the day with 11 saves for the Wolverines.

The match marked the final game at Illinois Soccer Stadium for seniors Courtney Bell, Brittany Garrett, Nweke and Santacaterina. The senior class has helped the Illini to three NCAA Tournaments, two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and 47 total wins.

"Our record, especially our conference record, isn't indicative of what kind of team this 2009 team is and what kind of legacy this senior class has left," Rayfield said. "I hope we step out on the field on Friday with some pride and with a commitment to end the season on the kind of note that we need to."

Illinois closes out the season with a road match, traveling to in-state rival Northwestern on Friday, Nov. 6. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Evanston, Ill.