CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –- Niki Read’s 85th minute goal was the difference, lifting No. 16 Illinois to a 1-0 win over Northwestern Saturday night at Illinois Soccer Stadium.

The Wildcats took 15 shots in the match, including five by freshman Kate Allen (Whitehouse, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) and three more from senior Sam Greene (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica). Four of Northwestern’s shots were on goal.

“We took it to Illinois tonight and I am extremely proud of our character,” said Northwestern Head Coach Stephanie Foster. “Our goal scoring woes have followed us all year and prevented us from getting results. We are a good team and much better than our record indicates. Everyone who has played or watched us knows that.

“We will get to work on 2011 starting this week. Our senior class has left a legacy and started the tipping point. We are proud of them and thankful for their contributions to the program.”

Senior goalkeeper Carolyn Edwards made eight saves in her final match for the Wildcats. Edwards is one of six graduating seniors for Northwestern.

Read scored the lone goal of the match off an assist from Vanessa DiBernardo with just over five minutes remaining in regulation.