Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Soccer Hits The Road This Weekend
9/27/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 27, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - Coming off an impressive weekend at home last week to kick off the Big Ten season, the Northwestern women's soccer team hits the road this weekend looking to continue its success.
The Wildcats will be at Michigan Friday afternoon (4 p.m.) and at Michigan State Sunday (1 p.m.).
After a slow start during the nonconference portion of the 2001 campaign, Northwestern hopes the ball got rolling with the dawning of Big Ten play last weekend. In a weekend that saw a pair of exciting matches at Lakeside Field, the Wildcats gained a tie against Indiana and a last-second win over Purdue. Kas? McCoy (Medina, Ohio/Medina) was the hero Sunday, netting the game-winner against the Boilermakers on a free kick with just two seconds left in regulation.
"It's been awhile since we were out on the road," said head coach Jenny Haigh. "but sometimes a road trip can be a good thing. You are away from the distractions that school provides, and the focus is only on soccer. We are looking forward to these games."
Of particular note has been the play of goalkeeper Susie McCreery (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South). After sitting for three years behind Erin Ekeberg, McCreery has stepped in as the starter this year and not missed a beat. She had a superb save in overtime against Indiana, and boasts a 1.26 goals-against average.
"She has really stepped up her play," said Haigh about McCreery. "We expected a lot out of her this year, and she has taken on that challenge very well. I feel very confident with her back there."
Friday's match will pit a pair of team that seem to be gaining momentum. The Wolverines have won three of their last four matches since an 0-3 start, with all of those wins coming by shutout. The only blemish in the last four matches was an overtime loss to Illinois.
"Michigan is down compared to recent years, but they have some great players and are still a strong team," said Haigh. "Even during the last few seasons, when they were nationally ranked, they started slow and picked up momentum as the season wore on. We seem to be picking them up at about that time this season."
By contrast, Michigan State seems to have hit the skids after a fast start. The Spartans began the campaign 3-0-1, but are just 1-3 since then with all of the losses coming by shutout.
"I'm always nervous going in against a team in Michigan State's situation," said Haigh. "They are going to be hungry for a few wins this weekend to get back on track. We will have to be ready for anything against them."
