Chernesky’s Late Goal Sends Northwestern to B1G Semifinals

10/29/2017 5:36:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats Michael Moynihan Post-Match Lauren Clem Post-Match

EVANSTON, Ill.— Junior midfielder Michele Chernesky's goal in the 88th minute sent No. 2 seed Northwestern to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals with a 1-0 win over seventh-seeded Purdue Sunday at Martin Stadium.

Northwestern (11-6-2) took 19 shots, its third highest total of the season, but it was Chernesky's effort late in the match that finally broke the scoreless draw, advancing the Wildcats past the quarterfinals for the third time in the last four years.

Chernesky's third goal of the season came on a free kick by junior midfielder Marisa Viggiano that was headed to Chernesky by junior forward Brenna Lovera. Chernesky found herself one-on-one with the Purdue goalkeeper and tucked the shot away in the corner of the net.

The assist was the 14th of Viggiano's career, moving her into sole possession of sixth place in program history.

Senior goalkeeper Lauren Clem made five saves as she earned her tenth shutout of the season. Northwestern hasn't conceded a goal at home against a conference opponent in the last nine games, dating back to Oct. 9, 2016. The Wildcats have not given up a goal at all in the last 471 minutes, a stretch spanning five-plus contests.

Clem moved into a tie for third-place in NCAA history with Chantal Jones (Virginia) with 47 career shutouts.

Lovera led the Wildcats' offensive effort with four shots. First year Madi Kennel and junior Kayla Sharples took three apiece, while Chernesky, senior Maria Fayeulle, and junior Hannah Davison each had two.

Northwestern started hot on a chilly day in Evanston, earning three corner kicks and taking five shots in the first seven minutes. Northwestern's set piece dominance almost found a goal in the 18th minute, as Sharples headed toward the left post, but her shot was cleared off the line.

The Wildcats kept the Boilermaker offense in check, limiting any threatening chances. Purdue earned a corner in the 38th minute that Sharples headed out of the box, before it was volleyed back at goal from 25 yards. Davison was in the right place and made the second goal line clearance of the game with a headed save.

Northwestern's 14 shots in the first half were its most in a 45-minute period since 16 in the second half against Illinois State on Sept. 18 last season. The Wildcats held Purdue to just eight shots and three on goal in the first 45 minutes.

It looked like the game was destined for overtime until the 88th minute when Viggiano-to-Lovera-to-Chernesky gave the Wildcats the final advantage.

Chicago's Big Ten Team will play No. 6 seed Wisconsin in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 3, at 2:30 p.m. CT in Westfield, Indiana, for a spot in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.