University of Washington
Illinois
Huskies Hand Illini First Loss
September 05, 2015 | Women's Soccer
SEATTLE – UW women's soccer beat the previously unbeaten Illinois Fighting Illini 2-1 in Washington's opener at the Husky Nike Invitational. Sophomore Shannon Simon scored her first career goal and junior defender Havana McElvaine netted her first of the season to provide the scoring.
“This game was exactly what we expected it to be,” UW head coach Lesle Gallimore said. “Illinois is a quality opponent and they have great weapons up front. They're technically and physically strong. Our kids really stuck to the game plan and played our brand of soccer. I'm proud of how we hung on for the win.”
The Huskies outshot the Illini 11 to two in a scoreless first half, forcing Illini keeper Claire Wheatley into five saves. UW held the advantage in the run of play throughout the majority of the half. Illinois put pressure on the Huskies late, earning three corners and almost converting on a dangerous chance the UW center back McKenzie Karas cleared off the line.
“We had the run of play but didn't get a goal out of it,” Gallimore said. “When that happens, you tighten up a little bit. But our kids didn't. They came out played really well in the second half.”
McElvaine didn't wait long to give the Huskies a lead, as she scored just two minutes into the second half. After a turnover on the Illini back line, McElvaine had an open shot from distance and she fired left-footed screamer at the top of the goal that Wheatley barely got a hand on before it fell into the net.
“On that play, I had turned the ball over and I knew I needed to work hard to get the ball back,” McElvaine said. “I was lucky enough that the ball just popped out and my best option was to shoot, so I did. I fell down and didn't see it go in, but I was happy to be able to contribute and get us on the board.”
Freshman Pascale Dumesnil combined with Simon in the 56th minute to extend the Huskies' lead to 2-0. Dumesnil found space on the right side, but without numbers, the freshman held the ball until Simon found an opening in the box. Dumesnil played the ball to Simon's feet, where she touched toward the goal and slotted home a hard shot on the ground just inside the far post.
“That was a pretty cool feeling,” Simon said. “I'm glad I could finally contribute to the team. Pascal played a great ball to me in space and I got a good touch on it. She really set me up well and I just put it away.”
Simon's goal would prove to be the game winner, as Illinois scored in the 76th minute to put the pressure back on the Huskies. Kara Marbury scored her second of the year on a counter that found her open at the edge of the box. Her left-footed shot was perfectly placed into the upper right corner to cut the deficit to one.
The Huskies battled throughout the next 14 minutes to weather the Illini pressure, and the 2-1 lead would stand for the final score.
“They've got some great attacking players on that team,” Gallimore said. “Our backline and really our whole team played a great game defensively to keep them at bay as much as possible.”
Washington will next face off against Michigan on Sunday, Sep. 6. The Wolverines beat Portland 5-0 in the day's first game on Husky Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT and the game will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Network. The Pac-12 Network broadcast can also be accessed on the Pac-12 Network app or online at Pac-12.com/networks. Both require cable provider login.
Fans can follow all the action online with live updates on Twitter and on the live stats page on GoHuskies.com.
For more on UW women's soccer, follow the Huskies on Facebook and on Snapchat, Periscope, Twitter and Instagram at @UW_WSoccer.
Ticket/Parking Information
Game tickets are available on GoHuskies.com. Adult tickets are $10, youth/senior citizen tickets are $5, and group tickets are available for $5 for groups of 10 or more. Group tickets must be purchased in advance. UW students get in free with a student ID.
The Husky Gold Card is also available for purchase at the ticket booth or at the link above. The Husky Gold Card includes admission to all men's and women's soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, softball and baseball events. The cost is $50 for adults and $40 for youth/senior citizens.
Paid parking is available for all home games in the E18 lot. Parking is free on Sundays.
