Friday, September 17

Evanston, Ill.

7:30 PM

Northwestern

3-2-0

Gonzaga

2-2-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Gonzaga	0	0	0
Northwestern	1	1	2

Oliver Kupe notched his team-leading third goal of the season.

Wildcats Open Home Slate With 2-0 Win Over Gonzaga

9/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 17, 2010

Box Score

Site: Evanston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Score: Northwestern 2, Gonzaga 0
Records: NU (3-2-0, 0-0 Big Ten), Gonzaga (2-2-0, 0-0 WCC)
Next NU Event: Sunday, Sept. 19 -- vs. Holy Cross (Lakeside Field), 2 p.m.

EVANSTON, Ill. - Oliver Kupe and Jack Hillgard helped the Northwestern men's soccer team open its 2010 home season in style Friday night as each had a goal in the Wildcats' 2-0 victory over Gonzaga at Lakeside Field as part of the Lakeside Classic.

Both of the Wildcats' goals came off of set pieces, with senior Piero Bellizzi assisting on each of the tallies.

The squads spent the majority of the first half feeling one another out before Northwestern began to apply pressure late in the period. Thirty minutes in, Kyle Schickel had hit header hit the crossbar. But five minutes later, the hosts were finally able to cash in.

NU drew a foul and Bellizzi took a free kick from 25 yards out. Kupe was waiting at the back post to beat Bulldogs' keeper Ryan Caballero to put the Wildcats in front at the 34:48 mark.

Northwestern had two more close calls before the half as Hillgard hit the post and Kupe did the same with just 10 seconds remaining before the intermission as the Wildcats settled for a one-goal edge going into the break.

It took NU just over five minutes to pick up an insurance goal. Northwestern's second corner kick in just over minute was served by Bellizzi to Hillgard who was waiting in front of the cage to head it home and put the Wildcats up 2-0.

That proved to be enough for Drew Kotler who made three saves in earning his third win in as many starts the season. It was the second shutout of the year for the junior keeper.

Northwestern finished with a 15-8 edge in shots, including 8-3 on goal.

In the first match of the day, Northern Illinois scored twice in the second half to defeat Holy Cross 2-1.

The Wildcats return to action at 2 p.m. Sunday when they host Holy Cross at Lakeside Field to conclude the Lakeside Classic.

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