Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Unveils 2011 Schedule
7/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 11, 2011
2011 Northwestern Men's Soccer Schedule
EVANSTON, Ill. - Ten home games as well as a contest at Toyota Park highlight the 2011 Northwestern men's soccer schedule.
Following a pair of exhibition contests, the Wildcats kick off the regular season Aug. 26 when it hosts Eastern Illinois.
NU then ventures to Toyota Park, the home of the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS), Sept. 1 as it squares off against California. It is the second straight year that Northwestern is competing at the venue as it played Notre Dame to a 1-1 tie during the 2010 season.
Following a home match against UMKC Sept. 5, the 'Cats make their annual trek west to DeKalb for the NIU adidas/Magnuson Inn Invitational. NU opens the weekend by taking on Portland before facing Valparaiso.
Northern Illinois makes its normal return trip to Evanston the following weekend at the Wildcats host the Lakeside Classic. Northwestern takes on UC Davis Sept. 16 on the opening day of action before welcoming back former assistant coach Andy Fleming and his Xavier squad two days later.
The always challenging Big Ten slate opens Sept. 24 when Northwestern faces Michigan State at Lakeside Field. A rare weekday matinee is on tap for Sept. 28 as NU makes the short trip south to DePaul for a noon kickoff.
After a nonconference home date with Missouri State, the Wildcats travel to Notre Dame Oct. 5. It is the first meeting between the teams in South Bend since Northwestern posted a 2-1 win over the Fighting Irish in the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
NU finally returns to league play Oct. 9 as it travels to Ohio State before the 'Cats open a string of four of their next five games at home. A home game with NIU is on tap for Oct. 12 before a road contest at Penn State four days later.
An annual matchup with Loyola Chicago is slated for Oct. 19 in Evanston before Wisconsin makes the trek to Lakeside Field Oct. 23. Senior Day is set for Oct. 30 as Northwestern hosts reigning Big Ten regular season champ Indiana.
The Wildcats wrap up the regular season Nov. 5 when they travel to Michigan, a College Cup participant a year ago. The Big Ten tournament is slated for Nov. 10, 11 and 13 in Ann Arbor.
Northwestern returns 17 letterwinners, including six starters, from last year's team which went 8-8-2 overall.
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