EVANSTON, Ill. - The Illinois soccer team closed out its season on Friday evening with a 1-0 road loss to Northwestern at Lakeside Field. For the second match in a row, the Illini (7-9-3, 2-6-2 Big Ten) dominated their opponent offensively but could not find the back of the net, with 11 shots on goal to the Wildcats' two.

In total, Illinois out-shot Northwestern 13-6 including the 11 shots on frame. The Wildcats (7-10-2, 4-5-1) scored the game-winner 84 seconds into the second half, as Caroline Dagley finished a pass inside the box from teammate Jessica Palo.

Illinois controlled play on both sides of the field in the first half, with seven shots compared to Northwestern's zero. Six of the Illini's shots were on goal, including two each by senior Jackie Santacaterina and sophomore Marissa Mykines.

The second half was played more evenly, as each team had six shots. After Dagley's goal, the Illini had several chances to score but couldn't put the ball away. Mykines and Santacaterina were the only Illini to have more than one shot in the match, with Mykines leading the way with five attempts. Northwestern keeper Carolyn Edwards had a total of 11 saves to earn the shutout.

Illinois' string of six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances will come to a close when the 2009 field is announced on Monday. To be eligible for the postseason, a team must have at least a .500 record. The Orange and Blue had four 1-0 losses in Big Ten play this season.