Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Look to Keep Postseason Hopes Alive
10/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 20, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. - With two weekends left in the regular season, each game has become vital for the Northwestern women's soccer team (8-7-1, 1-6-1 Big Ten) if the Wildcats want to extend their season and earn a berth in this year's Big Ten Tournament. The Wildcats must win their final two Big Ten games, beginning with Ohio State (6-7-2, 3-5-0 Big Ten) at 3 p.m. Friday, and get some help from the rest of the conference. Northwestern will take on Loyola at 1 p.m. this Sunday at home before the Big Ten finale next Friday (Oct. 28) against Wisconsin.
Despite only two conference games remaining, there is still plenty of jockeying that could take place in the conference before the end of the next week. Entering this weekend, there are six team separated by two games. Michigan (9 points) and Ohio State (9 points) are tied for sixth, leaving Indiana (7 points), Northwestern (4 points), Wisconsin (4 points) and Iowa (2) fighting for the eighth and final tournament spot. But all that can change quickly with Michigan facing unbeaten Penn State and Ohio State facing the hungry Wildcats this Friday.
"This weekend we're certainly in a must win situation, and I know our women are really excited for the challenge as am I," head coach Jenny Haigh said. "We've played well this year when we've felt that kind of urgency to produce, and to be honest, we're playing good soccer right now. We're fighting hard and playing good soccer so i'm very encouraged by our chances of going 2-0 at home."
Recapping the Weekend: The Wildcats went 1-1 over the weekend, defeating Indiana 1-0 on Friday before dropping a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Purdue on Sunday 2-1. Against Indiana, Krystal Patterson's first half goal proved to be all the Wildcats needed as NU used a solid defensive effort to snap its four-game losing skid. Patterson scored the games only goal in the 24th minute when Jeanette Lorme found her out in front breaking away from the pack. The goal was Patterson's second of the season while Lorme notched her team-leading sixth assist.
Then on Sunday, Lauren Sesselman's goal in the 102nd minute broke a 1-1 tie in double-overtime and lifted the Purdue Boilermakers to a 2-1 win. After falling behind 1-0 on an unassisted second half goal in the 63rd minute by Parrissa Eyorokon, Northwestern scratched and clawed its way back and finally tied the game with 3:34 left in regulation when Krystal Patterson found Jeanette Lorme on the right side who fired the ball across into the upper left-hand corner of the goal. The goal for Lorme was her fourth of the season. She has recorded at least one point in the last four games in goal or assist fashion and in six of the eight Big Ten games.
Moving Up the Charts
With her goal at Michigan State Oct. 9, sophomore forward Kelsey Hans moved into sole possession of second place on NU's all-time goals list with 21. With more than two years left, she is on pace to shatter the mark of 29 held by Stephanie Erickson (1994-97). In addition, junior goalkeeper Whitney Jones moved into sole possession of second place on the all-time shutout list with 14, 10 behind the record of 24 held by Wendy Scholz (1994-97).
A Glance at the Wildcats:
After beginning the season with seven wins in its first eight games, Northwestern hasn't had luck on their side through the Big Ten season despite playing some very good soccer. These Wildcats are no strangers to close games with 13 of NU's 16 games being decided by one goal or less.
Ohio State:
The Buckeyes must win their final two game to assure a spot in the tournament. The enter the weekend tied for sixth place with Michigan with nine points each. Ohio State will finish its portion of the Big Ten schedule this weekend with the Wildcats Friday and at Wisconsin Sunday.
Lisa Collison is one of the top freshman in the Big Ten and is ranked in the top 5 in several statistical categories. She leads the team with 11 goals and three assists for a team-best 25 points. Staci Stinkway is 3-6-2 in goal and is second in the Big Ten with 76 saves.
The Buckeyes are coached by ninth year head coach Lori Walker. Walker led the Buckeyes to its best season in program history in 2004 with a 19-4-3 record en route to a Big Ten Tournament title and a NCAA Tournament appearance. She has led the Buckeyes to 10 or more wins in five of the past six seasons.
Loyola-Chicago:
Loyola enters the weekend with a 5-7-1 record overall with a 1-3 record in the Horizon League. Amy Lomas and Mary Dale both lead the Ramblers with 11 points. Lomas has a team-best five goals and one assist while Dale has four goals and three assists to go with three game-winners. Emily Peick (3-5-0) has played a majority of the minutes in goal, recording 44 saves. Lauren Sommer has appeared in eight games and is 2-2-1 with 22 saves.
Loyola is coached by Frank Mateus who is in his first season.
Series History:
Ohio State leads the all-time series with the 'Cats 7-3-1 and have won the last four meetings. NU last defeated Ohio State in 2000. The 'Cats have won all six meetings with Loyola.
Next Up:
The Wildcats wrap up the 2005 regular season at home vs. Wisconsin at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Game time is 3 p.m.
