Photo Credit: @IndianaWSOC/X
BILL ARMSTRONG STADIUM (IUSTV Sports) — Indiana failed to score for the fifth straight game Thursday evening against Illinois. While the Hoosiers recorded seven shots on goal, an early Illini score was enough to hand Indiana a 1-0 loss in its final home game of the season.
“I think we should’ve gotten the win,” head coach Erwin van Bennekom said in his postgame press conference. “But we don’t deserve anything if we don’t score.”
The Hoosiers offense vastly improved from its 1-0 loss to Wisconsin on Oct. 13, tallying 17 total shots compared to its six against the Badgers. Regardless, Indiana was unable to find an equalizer for the Fighting Illini’s first half goal.
In the 13th minute, fifth year senior midfielder Kennedy Berschel played a long through ball to junior forward Sarah Foley. The Illinois’ veteran’s speed caught the Hoosiers’ backline out of position and resulted in a one-on-one with junior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg. Foley had no issue getting around the charging keeper and escorted the Illini to an early 1-0 lead.
Illinois opted to load up defensively after the score, moving its depth back and allowing Indiana to maintain possession. The Hoosiers found a few ambitious shots as the first half came to a close, but began filling up the stat sheet after the intermission.
During the second half Indiana outshot Illinois 11-0, continuously peppering strikes at the opposing net. Sophomore midfielder Elle Britt led Indiana with five total shots, three of which were on target.
“I thought that second half was the best we’ve played all year,” Bennekom said. “It’s unfortunate it happened at this time in the season, but fortunate that we saw the level of what this team is.”
Ultimately, the Hoosiers were unable to put an end to a scoreless streak that dates back to Sep. 29. With the loss, Indiana moves to 1-7-1 in conference play and is eliminated from Big Ten Tournament contention.
As a result, Thursday’s defeat marks the final home game for the Indiana women’s soccer senior class. Following the game, coach Bennekom remarked on the seniors' impact on the program
“They’ve worked so hard to change the culture and what we do on a daily basis,” Bennekom said. “And I’m so thankful for all those guys.”
Indiana will finish off its 2024 season with a pair of road games against Minnesota and Nebraska.
