September 30, 2012
DRAWN AT 1
Illini can't get past Boilermakers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Senior Nicole Denenberg scored in the second half as Illinois came back for a 1-1 tie against Purdue at the Boilermaker Soccer Complex Sunday.

The tie leaves the Illini with a 6-4-2 record (3-1-1 Big Ten), while the Boilermakers are 7-4-2 (2-2-1 Big Ten)

Purdue registered just two shots in the first half, but it was Alex Hairston's strike in the 21st minute that was the difference-maker for the Boilermakers. Hairston gave Purdue the early 1-0 lead when she sent the ball to the inside of the right post from the right side of the 18-yard box. It was her fourth goal of the season.

The Orange and Blue created a goal scoring opportunity in the 32nd-minute off of a corner kick. Vanessa DiBernardo's ball found Kristen Gierman's head inside the Purdue box, but Clara Kridler was able to make the save. Then, Denenberg collected the rebound, but her shot was blocked by a defender.

Denenberg recorded her second goal of the season to tie the game at one in the 58th minute. The senior released the shot from the left top side of the 18-yard box as the ball sailed to the inside right post. The goal was the third of her career.

The next 30 minutes saw both squads battle back and forth, each recording eight total shots in the half.

Freshman Amy Feher almost tallied the golden goal in the final 10 seconds of the first overtime but her shot soared just inches over the crossbar.

Illinois outshot the Boilermakers 24-11 and produced nine shots on goal compared to Purdue's six. Illinois goalie Steph Panozzo finished the afternoon with five saves. Purdue goalkeeper Clara Kridler made seven saves.

The Illini return home for a Thursday game with Michigan State. The game on Oct. 4 will air live on the Big Ten Network at 7 p.m. CT.