Ohio State Drops Decision To Illinois On Penalty Kicks

Quarterfinal action at Big Ten tournament

Columbus, Ohio – The seventh-seeded Ohio State women’s soccer team dropped an opening round match to second-seed Illinois (ranked 18th nationally) 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 match at the Big Ten tournament being played at Northwestern’s Lakeside Field.

After a successful kick by Danica Wu, a shot by Liz Sullivan was stopped on a one-handed save by Illini goalkeeper Steph Panozzo. Colleen Brady made her shot, but Panozzo saved the attempt by Kristen Niederhaus to secure the win. Illinois made all four of its penalty shots.

An aggressive Ohio State attack capitalized first, as Paige Maxwell scored in the 16th minute on a quick ricochet of a shot by Kristen Niederhaus that hit the crossbar. It was Maxwell’s fourth goal of the season.
In the 41st minute, Katie Baumgardner made a leaping save on a shot by Vanessa DiBernardo off a free kick, but just two minutes later in the 43rd, DiBernardo connected on the same play off another free kick to tie the match at 1-1. Ohio State was called for 13 fouls in the first half, to seven for Illinois. The Illini outshot Ohio State 8-3 in the first stanza, with Baumgardner recording three saves.

Both teams continued their high-tempo onslaught in the scoreless second half. In the first 10-minute overtime, each team had a scoring chance; with 6:30, a shot by Paige Maxwell sailed high over the crossbar, while at 3:30, Baumgardner saved an attempt by Illinois’ Julie Ewing. In the second overtime, Ohio State’s best chance came with 3:55 left, when a free kick by Danica Wu went high over the net.

Illinois received three yellow cards in the physical fray; Ohio State’s only yellow card was issued to Aly Walker. 40 total fouls were called in the contest.

Illinois takes on third-seeded Michigan State Friday at 2:15 p.m. ET. The Spartans outlasted Iowa in penalty kicks, 4-3, after a 0-0 double-overtime tie in the tournament’s opening match. That semifinal match will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.