Michigan
Illinois
Wolverines Lose to Illinois in OT in Big Ten Semifinal
11/9/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The No. 2-seeded University of Michigan women's soccer team lost 2-1 in overtime to No. 3-seeded Illinois in semifinal action of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday (Nov. 9) at Purdue's Varsity Soccer Complex. The Fighting Illini's Tara Hurless scored the game-winner with just 19 seconds remaining in the first overtime period.
The Illini took an early 1-0 lead at 0:55 after converting a corner kick for the first goal of the game, marking only the second time this season that the Wolverines did not score first against a Big Ten opponent. The Wolverines remained focused, working to create quality scoring chances while playing tight defense, and their patience paid off.
Abby Crumpton (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams HS) tied the game for U-M with a goal 8:41 into the contest. Crumpton, who scored her sixth goal in five games, received a clearing pass from Andrea Kayal (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills HS) up the midfield for a one-on-one with the Illinois goalkeeper. Crumpton fired the shot to the left side of the net to tie the game at one goal apiece.
The second half was similar to the first in the level of intensity that both teams displayed. Scoring chances remained equal and Michigan goalkeeper Suzie Grech (Narbeth, Pa./The Shipley School) made two huge saves with 15 minutes remaining to send the game into overtime.
With a strong wind against them, the Wolverines still managed three good scoring opportunities, but Illinois scored with 19 seconds remaining to advance to the title game against No. 1-seeded Penn State on Sunday (Nov. 11) at 1 p.m. Grech made seven saves in the match.
The Wolverines (12-7-1) will now await the NCAA Tournament selection show on Monday (Nov. 12) at 3 p.m. EST to see if they will make the 64-team NCAA field. First- and second-round games will be played at 16 campus sites on Friday and Sunday, Nov. 16-18.
GAME SUMMARY
| Team | 1 | 2 | OT | F |
| Illinois | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Michigan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Scoring, Time (Assist)
1st -- Illinois, Christine Sinak, 0:55 (Tara Schuling)
1st -- U-M, Abby Crumpton, 8:41 (Andrea Kayal)
OT -- Illinois, Tara Hurless, 104:41 (Schuling)
Shots: U-M 16, Illinois 21
Saves: U-M 7 (Suzie Grech), Illinois 7 (Lecia Alcia)
Corner Kicks: U-M 10, Illinois 7
Fouls: U-M 14, Illinois 15
Cards: None
Q U O T E S
U-M Assistant Coach Carrie Maier
On the team's performance ... "It was a great game to watch if you were a spectator. There was a lot of action and both teams were clawing to get on top. We played a great game and battled hard against the wind the entire second half and into the overtime. Today wasn't our day."
U-M Assistant Coach Scott Forrester
On the game ... "Overall we played great and we played against a good Illinois team. Suzie Grech made two huge saves for us, point blank, but we just couldn't get that last goal."
N O T E S
Abby Crumpton is on a five-game goal scoring streak dating back to the Michigan State game (Oct. 26) and has scored six of Michigan's last eight goals.
Michigan now holds a 12-6 record at the Big Ten Tournament and is 10-3 in the last five tournaments.
Contact: Karen Simpson (734) 763-4423
