Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Loyola
Northwestern Shuts Out Loyola, 1-0
10/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 30, 2002
CHICAGO, Ill. - Northwestern cracked the record books numerous times in its 1-0 shutout Wednesday at Loyola. The 'Cats earned their eighth win of the season, the third best total in NU history, and senior goalkeeper J.D. Martin (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) earned his seventh shutout of the season, breaking the previous single-season mark (6). But in the eyes of head coach Tim Lenahan, his team achieved something more significant.
"We earned a stripe tonight," said Lenahan of his team that played a man down for the majority of the contest. "I'm really proud of the way the guys played after the red card. We stepped it up and played great in the second half."
Brad Napper (Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Prep) was assessed the red card at the 41:27 mark. Loyola goalkeeper Greg Stellatos bobbled a loose ball and Napper attempted to kick it, catching part of Stellatos' body.
After Napper's ejection, the Wildcats controlled the contest. Tito Lara (Joliet, Ill./Joliet) once again was the hero. Lara broke around a Rambler defender in the box and was tripped from behind, setting up the game-winning penalty kick.
NU maintained its handle on the game after the goal, as Martin corralled five saves-including four in the second half-to preserve the shutout.
Lara led the 'Cats attack with three shots and Dave Vargas (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Ignatius) had two.
Northwestern (8-9, 0-4 Big Ten) returns to action at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wisconsin.
