Michigan State University
Illinois
Women's Soccer Opens Conference Play With 2-0 Win
9/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 20, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Under overcast, rainy conditions, the Michigan State women's soccer team defeated Illinois, 2-0, in its Big Ten opener Friday (Sept. 20) afternoon at Old College Field. Spartan goalkeeper Stacy Heller (Jr., Madison, Wis.) made four saves to record her third shutout of the season. In her six starts this season, she has alowed just one goal. With the win, State improves to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play, while Illinois falls to 3-4 and 0-1 in conference play.
"This was a great win with which to start the Big Ten season, " said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. " Illinois is a very good team and very dangerous offensively. It was an important win because it helps us build confidence each time we beat an NCAA Tournament team. Last week, we won at Kentucky and today we beat a very good Illinois team."
Illinois controlled a majority of the first half, outshooting the Spartans 8-2.
"In the first part of the game we spent too much time defending and worrying about their offense, " said Saxton. "At halftime we talked about our attitude and making a commitment to creating scoring chances of our own, which is exactly what we did in the second half."
Erin Konheim (Fr., West Bloomfield) scored what proved to be the game winner in the 62nd minute when she buried a pass from Emma Harris (Fr., Portage) into the back of the net. Tiffany Laskowski (Jr., Troy) sealed the win in the 83rd minute, scoring her fourth goal of the season. Heidi Lutz (Sr., San Ramon, Calif.) drew an assist on the goal.
MSU returns to action, Sunday (Sept. 22), when it hosts Iowa at 12 noon at Old College Field.
Game SummaryTeam 1st 2nd TotalIllinois 0 0 0Michigan State 0 2 2
Scoring Summary1. 61:17 MSU Erin Konheim (Harris)2. 82:48 MSU Tiffany Laskowski (Lutz)
Shot AttemptsIllinois 8 4 12Michigan State 2 7 9
Goalie SavesAlcia (UI) 5Heller (MSU) 4
Corner KicksIllinois 3Michigan State 1
Cautions and EjectionsRC-ILL Schuling (73:41).
