Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
4-4-1
Missouri State
3-5-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northwestern | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Northwestern Disposes of Missouri State, 1-0
10/3/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2010
Box Score
Site: Evanston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Score: Northwestern 1, Missouri State 0
Records: NU (4-4-1, 0-1-0 Big Ten), Missouri State (3-5-1, 1-0-0 Missouri Valley)
Next NU Event: Wednesday, Oct. 6 -- vs. DePaul (Lakeside Field), 7 p.m.
EVANSTON, Ill. - Oliver Kupe's second-half goal helped the Northwestern men's soccer team open its five-game homestand on the right foot with a 1-0 victory over Missouri State Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field. Drew Kotler posted three saves to earn his third shutout of the season.
"I thought that we played pretty well in the first half," Northwestern head coach Tim Lenahan said. "This gets us back to .500 with four more home games coming up. The schedule sets up for us to make a run, beginning with getting a result today."
Both teams were forced to deal with strong winds blowing out of the north throughout the contest. Northwestern had the wind at its back during the opening half of play and was able to control possession throughout the majority of the stanza.
The Wildcats put all sorts of pressure on Missouri State keeper Alex Riggs during the first 45 minutes of play. However, he was up to the task every time, making seven saves prior to the intermission.
After scoring a goal Wednesday night against Notre Dame, Matt Eliason was dangerous against the Bears as he notched five shots (three on goal) in the first half. But despite holding a 10-2 advantage in shots, the Wildcats were unable to tally as the teams were scoreless going into the break.
Despite having to go into the stiff wind during the second half, Northwestern managed to maintain possession throughout the early portions of the period and it eventually paid off at 57:16.
Kupe was able to force a turnover at the top of the 18-yard box, maneuvered his way through a pair of defenders and then beat Riggs from six yards out to give the hosts the lead.
Missouri State was finally able to create some pressure on the Northwestern defense over the final 10 minutes of regulation, recording half of their eight shots for the match during that time period.
Paul Paradise had the closest call for the Bears as his bicycle kick from inside the box went just wide. Missouri State made one final push in the closing seconds of the match. A scramble near the right edge of the six-yard box resulted in an opportunity for the Bears, but the Northwestern defense prevented them from getting a shot off.
Kotler's shutout was his third of the season. NU finished the match with advantages of 14-8 in shots and 5-0 in corner kicks.
The Wildcats return to action at 7 p.m. Wednesday as they host local rival DePaul.
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Team Stats
Kupe, Oliver (4)
forced turnover at top of box, finished
57:16
