The CU women’s soccer team lost, 2-1, Friday to the University of Illinois during the first day of the DU invitational.
The 13th-ranked Fighting Illini took the lead in the 31st minute with a goal from Jordan Hilbrands and were able to keep the Buffs at bay during the first 45 minutes.
CU freshman Lauren Shaner and sophomore Kate Russell were key players during the Buffs’ first half attacking, with each player notching up shots on goal. CU remained strong during the first half despite the deficit allowing only 6 shots and no corner kicks from Illinois.
Although the Buffs outshot Illinois 16-14 at the conclusion of the match, the Buffs didn’t manage to recover after Illinois’ second goal in the 53rd minute.
Senior Nikki Marshall, who usually plays forward, started as a defender–the same position she played during last year’s U-20 World Cup. After switching to her attacking position, she narrowly missed a close shot in the 82nd minute of second-half play.
Kassidy Fitzpatrick scored off her own rebound in the 89th minute. It was the first goal of her career.
Next up for CU will be St. Mary’s on Sunday at Denver.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.Hernandez@colorado.edu.
