Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
7-0-1
Princeton
1-4-0
Rosenthal Sets School Record for Shutouts as Wildcats Top Princeton
9/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 21, 2008
Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Misha Rosenthal set a Northwestern record with his 17th career shutout as the ninth-ranked Wildcats held off a strong effort from Princeton to earn a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field. Sophomore Matt Eliason's goal in the 59th minute of play was the difference.
Rosenthal topped the previous NU record for career shutouts of 16 held by George Kokodynski (1987-90) while tying the single-season record for shutouts with his seventh of the year. J.D. Martin posted seven shutouts in 2002, while Rosenthal knotted the mark a year ago.
Northwestern raised its record to 7-0-1 with the win, matching the best start to a season in school history and the 2007 team's record through eight contests.
The Tigers (1-3-0) made things difficult on the Wildcats, limiting the hosts' opportunities while managing some dangerous chances of their own. Princeton was in position to take an early lead as Northwestern was called for a foul just beyond the top of the box two minutes into the contest. However, Devin Muntz's direct free kick from 20 yards out sailed high of the cage.
Neither team had many quality chances the remainder of the half, as each squad finished the opening 45 minutes of play with eight shots.
The Tigers came close to scoring again in the 56th minute as Brad Fechter fired off a blast that just missed, clanging off the crossbar.
The Wildcats made the missed opportunity prove costly just under four minutes later as they tallied the decisive goal. Tyler Voigt created an opportunity at the right edge of the box and played the ball in to Eliason. The reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week won a scramble for the ball and was able to create enough space to get off a shot that beat Princeton keeper Sean Lynch inside the left post.
It was Eliason's Big Ten-leading seventh goal of the season.
Princeton created one more solid chance with under four minutes left when Brandon Busch found himself alone on the far post, but his shot missed just wide.
NU held on the rest of the way to earn its seventh shutout in eight matches this season. Rosenthal made two saves, while Lynch had five for the Tigers. Princeton finished with a 14-12 advantage in shots.
Northwestern puts its undefeated record on the line when it opens Big Ten play Saturday by hosting reigning national runner-up Ohio State at 7:30 p.m.
Team Stats
Eliason, Matt (7)
Assisted By: Voigt, Tyler
scramble in front of net; 10 yds
59:05
