Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Travels to Puma Soccer Classic
9/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 16, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After opening the season with five consecutive home matches, Northwestern takes its fast start on the road this weekend when it faces host Vanderbilt and Eastern Illinois at the Puma Soccer Classic in Nashville, Tenn.
The Wildcats take on the Commodores at 7 p.m. CDT Friday before playing the Panthers at 11 a.m. CDT Sunday. Northwestern played both squads at home a year ago, tying 1-1 with Vanderbilt and 2-2 with Eastern Illinois.
"We play two very good opponents this week," Wildcat head coach Tim Lenahan said. "Both of our matches with these teams last year turned out to be hard fought draws."
Vanderbilt is currently 1-3 on the season with its lone win coming again Drury. In their last contest, the Commodores took No. 7 UNC-Greensboro to overtime before falling 5-4. John Krause leads Vandy with seven points on three goals and an assist.
"Vanderbilt is very much like us in that they are a couple of years into the rebuilding process," Lenahan said. "They have shown an ability to score and have some dangerous attacking players."
Eastern Illinois is 2-1 entering the weekend, posting shutouts in both of its wins. Goalkeeper Mike Sims was named MVC Defensive Player of the Week for making nine total saves in the two Panther victories.
"EIU beat Butler, who we lost to," Lenahan said. "They always seem to play NU tough over the years."
At 4-1, Northwestern is off to the best start in program history. The Wildcats earned the championship in both of its home tournaments to kick off the season, and are currently ranked ninth in the Great Lakes Region in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Regional Rankings.
"A great start is not as important as a great finish," Lenahan said. "Although we have shown signs of good soccer, we are still looking to put together a full 90 minutes."
More information on the tournament including live stats can be found by linking to the Puma Soccer Classic Web site.
CAT 'NIPS
* Northwestern's appearance in the Regional Rankings is the first in the history of the program.
* Will Nicholas was named to Soccer America's Team of the Week for his play in the Lakeside Classic--the first NU player to ever make the squad.
* The last time Northwestern was over .500 through the first five matches was in 1988 when the 'Cats began 3-2. NU finished 14-4-1 that season.
* With 2.4 goals per match, NU currently ranks 25th in the nation in scoring.
* Sophomore Gerardo Alvarez ranks first in the Big Ten and is tied for sixth nationally with 13 points on the season.
