Eliason Leads Northwestern to 2-1 Win Over Oakland

Friday, September 11

DeKalb, Ill.

2:30 PM

Northwestern

1-1-1

Oakland

2-1-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Northwestern	2	0	2
Oakland	1	0	1

Eliason Leads Northwestern to 2-1 Win Over Oakland

9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 11, 2009

Box Score

DeKALB, Ill. - Two first-half goals by Matt Eliason (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East) proved to be enough for the 22nd-ranked Northwestern men's soccer team Friday afternoon as it defeated Oakland 2-1 in the opening match of the adidas/Magnuson Inn and Suites Invitational hosted by Northern Illinois University.

Eliason, a junior forward and 2008 first-team All-Big Ten pick, raised his season goal total to a Big Ten-leading five. The two tallies also move him into sole possession of sixth place on NU's career list with 22.

The Wildcats (1-1-1) got on the board first at the 12:41 mark as Eliason hooked up with a familiar face. Sophomore Oliver Kupe (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) crossed the ball into the box for Eliason who beat Golden Grizzlies' keeper Mitch Hildebrandt from seven yards out.

The assist for Kupe was his fourth on the year, a total that paces the Big Ten. Piero Bellizzi (Rye, N.Y./Rye) was also credited with an assist on the play.

Eliason nearly struck again just over four minutes later, but his shot hit the post. However, he wouldn't be denied at the 26:26 mark of the half as Bellizzi found Eliason at the top of the box and he ripped a blast into the side of the net to give Northwestern a two-goal advantage.

Oakland (2-1-1) would cut the Wildcats' advantage in half with just under 10 minutes remaining before the intermission on a goal by Makesi Lewis.

However, the NU defense stood tall the rest of the way to earn the victory. Northwestern finished with a 15-11 edge in shots, with eight of the Golden Grizzlies' shots coming over the final 45 minutes of play. Eliason led the way with six shots, four of which were on goal.

Misha Rosenthal (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep) made three saves, all in the second half, to help the 'Cats preserve their first victory of the season.

The road won't get any easier for NU on Sunday as it faces off against No. 21 Tulsa. Kickoff is set for noon.