Oct. 1, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Vanessa DiBernardo scored four goals including three in the second half to lift the Fighting Illini past Purdue 4-1 Friday night at the Illinois Track and Soccer Stadium.
"I don't believe the score is indicative of the performance on the field," Purdue head coach Robert Klatte said. "We made some adjustments at the half and for the next 30 minutes, I think we played fantastic soccer. We had some chances to take the lead late in the second half, but were unable to finish those opportunities. I think DiBernardo played a fantastic game for Illinois, certainly one of the best single performances I have seen in a while."
Illinois (8-2, 1-1) took an early lead on the Boilermakers when DiBernardo found an open look at the top of the 18 in the 25th minute. The play started as Illinois moved the attack into the Purdue third of the field. The Boilermakers were able to block a crossing attempt, but the ball bounced right to an open DiBernardo. She blasted a shot that found the lower left corner of the net past a diving Carianne Betts. The goal was the first surrendered by the Boilermakers in 225 minutes of play dating back to Sept. 19 against Denver.
Purdue (5-6-2, 1-1-1) came out much more aggressive in the second half. In the 51st minute, Liz Secue forced a turnover that led to a Purdue attack. Secue made a deep run into the Illinois third before finding Katie Leinert at on the right side of the penalty box. Leinert ripped a shot that just missed over the top right corner of the goal.
The Boilermakers kept up the attack until they finally broke through in the 55th minute. Again, the play was started on the defensive end by Secue. The Bath, Ohio, native stole the ball and was able to work her way down the field into the penalty box. She then found Leinert who took a quick shot, but was blocked by an Illinois defender. Leinert regained possession and found Kellie Phillips charging towards the goal. Phillips drove a quick shot past Alexandra Kapicka to knot the score at one. The goal was Phillips' fourth of the season.
Secue came up big on several other occasions in the second half. In the 66th minute, the Fighting Illini had a chance for a breakaway opportunity. However, Secue turned on the jets and was able to slide and knock the ball away just outside the 18 yard box. She then got up and saved the ball from crossing the end line to prevent an Illini corner.
The Boilermakers' offense had another scoring opportunity in the 72nd minute. Leinert crossed the ball from the right side of the goal toward the left post. Shae Desmond made a sliding attempt to knock it into the open corner, but the ball was just out of reach and Illinois was forced to knock it out of bounds.
Despite Purdue's aggressive attack, Illinois was able to find the back of the net again the 81st minute. Shayla Mutz found DiBernardo on a through ball into the box. The freshman then fired a shot that found the top right corner of the net for the go-ahead goal.
Purdue responded with an attack of its own that led to a corner kick in the 86th minute. Kaitlyn Blacha sent the kick toward the middle of the box, but the Fighting Illini defense was able to head it away. Purdue continued its aggressive attack in search of a tying goal, but Illinois' defense held its ground.
DiBernardo was able to add two goals in the final 3:40 of the game, including the final tally with 14 seconds remaining to extend the final margin to 4-1. She has now tallied nine goals on her freshman campaign.
The loss drops Purdue's series record to 5-9-2 against the Fighting Illini. The Boilermakers return to action on Sunday when they travel to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans. Kickoff from DeMartin Stadium is scheduled for Noon ET. Live results can be found at purduesports.com.