Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
vs. Drury
Northwestern Knocks Off Drury
8/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 31, 2002
Morton, Ill.-Eric Brin (Westlake, Calif./Westlake) and Tito Lara (Joliet, Ill./Joliet) scored a goal each and goalkeeper J.D. Martin (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) anchored the defense as Northwestern (1-1) defeated Drury, 2-1, in the Holiday Inn City Centre Classic on Saturday.
After a slow first half, the Wildcats notched two goals within 12 minutes in the second. Lara netted the game-winning goal in the 74th minute after Brad Napper (Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Prep) tapped a loose ball to Paul Elkins (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) who set up Lara.
"This certainly gives our young guys some confidence for the upcoming weeks," said assistant coach Erik Ronning. "This shows what it takes to win at this level. The guys will now better understand the commitment it takes to win in college soccer."
Kevin Earnest (Lemont, Ill./Lemmont) set up classmate Brin for the first goal of the game. It was Brin's first career goal.
"I got so many chances this weekend," Brin said. "I was just relieved to finally get one in. After we scored, the game opened up for us."
That was not the case for Drury (0-2), as Martin dashed any hopes of a rally with a strong performance in goal. The senior transfer from Rutgers made six saves, as well as 17 keeper catches and punches to help hold on for the win. For his efforts this weekend, Martin was named to the all-tournament team alongside teammate Jeremy Cook (Hudson, Wis./Hudson).
On the match, Northwestern had 13 shots to Drury's 16, but NU won the corner kick count nine to seven.
The Wildcats return to action Sept. 4 at Western Illinois before their home opener Sept. 6 against Valparaiso.
