Aug. 31, 2008

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Dayton Flyer women's soccer team was extremely close to knocking off its second nationally-ranked Big Ten opponent in as many weeks. UD took No. 18 Illinois (3-0) into overtime but lost in the Illini Challenge Cup Championship game, 1-0.

The Flyers (2-1) had great opportunities to score late in the second half, and almost finished the game in regulation.

Junior Caitlin Proffitt, who came off the bench and provided four shots, drilled a ball in the final two minutes and it grazed just outside the post.

"We almost won it. We had the two best chances near the end of the game," said UD head coach Mike Tucker. "We held a very dangerous team scoreless for 95 minutes. We limited their opportunities and it was an exceptional effort by our team."

What makes it all the more exceptional is that UD was playing with just 10 players on the pitch for nearly 40 minutes, after freshman Kathleen Beljan received a red card.

"I can't be more proud of the way the girls played and battled," said Tucker. "We still gave ourselves a chance to win."

The lone goal of the championship game, was a golden goal off the boot of Emily Zurrer, who came off the Illini bench. The Flyer defense played very strong in front of goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers, who made her first collegiate start.

"It was a great effort for her first start," said Tucker. "She did herself proud."

Sophomores Kelly Blumenschein and Jerica DeWolfe, as well as freshman Kelsey Miller, were all named to the all-tournament team for UD.

Dayton plays its third Big Ten opponent of the year when it travels to Michigan to take on the Wolverines this Friday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. ET. UD knocked off nationally-ranked Indiana, 4-1, in its season opener.