Women’s Soccer Loses Nail-Biter Versus Illinois

Photos by Austin Hall

Women’s soccer experienced their first loss of the season at home versus the University of Illinois. The game was Pepperdine’s first home loss in 364 days, and they dropped to No. 6 in West Coast Conference standings. The Fighting Illini overcame a 2-1 deficit and knocked through back-to-back goals and won by a score of 3-2.

The Waves started the game aggressively and nearly had a goal in the sixth minute. Junior midfielder Joelle Anderson flashed down the left side of the field and lined up a shot. Illinois deflected the ball right to sophomore midfielder Leyla McFarland. McFarland crossed to junior forward Brie Welch, and she hammered a right-footed shot that bounced…