Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Bradley
Northwestern Falls to Bradley
8/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 30, 2002
Northwestern dropped its 2002 season opener, 3-0, to host Bradley at the Holiday Inn City Centre Classic in Peoria, Ill. on Friday. The Wildcats controlled much of the second half but could not get out of an early two-goal deficit.
"We played much better in the second half," said NU Head Coach Tim Lenahan. "After a tough first half, I thought we responded well and played much better."
The 'Cats came out strong in the second half. Senior Justin Lesch (Bartlett, Ill./Elgin) and junior Jeremy Cook (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) had strong showings. Lesch's ball control and Cook's speed helped lead the Wildcats to six shots. Senior Paul Elkins (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) and freshman Dave Vargas (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Ignatius) each had two shots.
Freshman Alexander Renzi (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams) perhaps had the best scoring opportunity when a centering pass sailed through Bradley defenders to the left side of goal box, but Renzi's deflection was stopped short of the net by a diving Chris Dunsheath.
Bradley's first goal came in the 41st minute when Joe Ducci headed in a Hamid Mehreioskouei pass. The Braves (1-0) struck again two and a half minutes later for a 2-0 halftime lead, and Sam Mills rounded out the scoring with less than two minutes remaining in the match.
"We were a little passive," Lenahan said. "We had eight freshman start, but we just have to get used to playing college ball."
The Wildcats (0-1) return to action Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Drury (0-1), which lost its first game, 4-2, to Illinois-Chicago in the City Centre Classic's first match.
