Northwestern University Athletics
No. 20 Northwestern Visits Local Rival Loyola Wednesday
10/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
By: Daniel Hersh
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Up to No. 20 in the nation in the NSCAA Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, Northwestern (7-2-5) heads into the home stretch of the regular-season with a match at Loyola (5-4-5) on Wednesday night in Rogers Park.
With just three games remaining in the regular-season, the 'Cats bring a defensive hot streak to Loyola, having only allowed one goal through the run of play since Sept. 17. This remarkable run has been anchored by seniors Tyler Miller, Connor Holloway and Nikko Boxall. Northwestern ranks second in the Big Ten and ninth in the nation with a 0.53 goals-against-average this season.
Offensively, Northwestern has been led by juniors Cole Missimo and Joey Calistri, with five and four goals on the season, respectively. Sophomore Mike Roberge has been on a roll with goals in each of the 'Cats last two matches, including the equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw at No. 10 Michigan State on Sunday.
Loyola is coming off a tie as well, but this one to Central Arkansas. Like the 'Cats, they have a penchant for low-scoring battles — three of their last seven games have finished 0-0. This Ramblers team is offensively challenged, which bodes well for the Wildcats' strong defensive unit. Loyola has only scored 13 goals in 14 games.
After Loyola, Northwestern will return to Lakeside Field for the first time in a month to finish off the regular season with games against Big Ten-leading Penn State (Sunday) and the Wisconsin Badgers. Those last two conference games in Evanston will be key in determining seeding for the Big Ten Tournament, which begins Nov. 8.
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