University of Illinois
4-3-5, 1-3-2
Michigan State
9-1-2, 5-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Illinois | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Illinois Suffers Setback to #2 Spartans, 1-0
October 4, 2026 | Soccer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois soccer (4-3-5, 1-3-2 Big Ten) suffered a setback to No. 2 Michigan State (9-1-2, 5-1-0 Big Ten), 1-0, on Sunday afternoon in Demirjian Park.
The Illini held Michigan State scoreless for the entire first half and came out of the locker room with what appeared to be a goal in the first 30 seconds of the second half by Cayla Jackson. However, after review it was ruled that Illinois was offside and the goal was wiped off the board.
The match remained scoreless for the next 40 minutes until Michigan State's Bella Najera scored the matches lone goal in the 86th minute.
The Fighting Illini soccer team flies to the west coast for their next match against USC on Thursday (Oct. 8). Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT on BTN.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Bella Najera (2)
Assisted By: Kayla Briggs , Emerson Sargeant
GOAL by MSU Najera, Bella Assist by Briggs, Kayla and Sargeant, Emerson.
85:30
