Aug. 27, 2008
Illini Challenge Cup Notes 
ILLINI CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY GAMEDAY SPIRIT AND DISH NETWORK
Friday, Aug. 29
Pitt vs. Dayton • 5 p.m.
Illinois vs. Iowa State • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Consolation • 11 a.m.
Championship • 2 p.m.
Just for Kicks
Illinois is...
...12-6 against the Big 12
...5-3 against the Atlantic 10
...6-6 against the Big East
...7-4 in home openers
Awesome Alvis
Senior defender Jamie Alvis raked in a pair of honors after her outstanding play in Illinois' 2-1 win over Missouri. Alvis was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and also earned a spot on Soccer America's Team of the Week. The Cypress, Calif., native played the entire match and was crucial to Illinois shutting out Missouri through the first half, not allowing a shot on goal.
Nweke Gets It Done
Junior forward Chichi Nweke collected three points in Illinois' opening match against Missouri. Nweke notched an assist on the first goal of the game, giving Illinois a 1-0 lead heading into the half. The Virginia Beach, Va., native then tallied the game-winning goal in the 94th minutes to propel the Illini to the season-opening win.
We're Going Streaking
Illinois looks to continue its shut out streak, as the Illini ended the 2007 season with seven shutous in a row at home to set a new school record. The streak began with a 5-0 win against Xavier before the Orange and Blue knocked off No. 9 Florida with a 1-0 victory. Illinois then reeled off five straight shutouts over Big Ten opponents, including a 3-0 win over No. 24 Indiana on senior night to cap off the streak. The Illini also collected 674:10 consecutive shutout minutes during the span, beginning in the second half of the Missouri game through the final match against the Hoosiers.
Movin on Up
With the win over Missouri, the Illini moved up in the top 25 rankings in two different polls. Illinois jumped two spots to No. 22 in the Soccer Times poll, while moving up to No. 18 in the NSCAA poll. The Orange and Blue remain at No. 17 and No. 20 in the Soccer America and Top Drawer Soccer polls, respectively.
Iowa State at a Glance
The Iowa State Cyclones open the season against the Illini. The Cylones return 15 letterwinners off a squad that finished eighth in the Big 12 last season. Iowa State was led by junior midfielder Elise Reid with five goals.
Dayton at a Glance
The Dayton Flyers are coming off a season-opening 4-1 victory against Indiana. Dayton finished fifth in the Atlantic 10 last season and return 17 letterwinners from the 2007 squad. The Flyers were led by junior forward/midfielder Mandi Back with 14 goals on the season.
Pitt at a Glance
The Pittsburgh Panthers are coming off a 6-2 loss to Akron. Pitt finished the 2007 season in eighth place of the American Division in the Big East. The Panthers return 15 letterwinners, including junior forward Ashley Habbel who led the team with 14 points last season.
A Quick Recap
The Illini busted out of the gate with a 2-1 overtime victory against the Missouri Tigers. After notching an early goal, Illinois clung to the lead at halftime before the Tigers tallied the equalizer early in the second half. The two teams remained knotted at the end of regulation, sending the match into overtime where Chichi Nweke needed only three minutes to notch the game-winner and give the Illini their first win of the season.
Fresh Faces
The freshman class made a splash during Illinois' season-opener against Missouri. Julie Ewing started on the back line for the Illini, while two other freshmen also saw action. Marissa Mykines was a force up front, collecting five shots with three of them on frame. Caitlin Dombart also saw time on the back line, helping the Illini shut out the Tigers through the first half.
All Desjarlais Long
Senior midfielder Marti Desjarlais wasted little time showing what the Illinois offense is capable of this season, notching the team's first goal in the seventh minute against Missouri. In addition to her seventh career goal, Desjarlais had two more shots on frame and collected five total shots during the match.
The Peak of Kapicka
In her first career start, junior goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka had her best outing yet. Kapicka and the Illinois defense held Missouri scoreless through the first half and allowed just one shot on goal through the entire match.
