WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Northwestern opened Big Ten play with a 1-0 win over Purdue on Friday night at Boilermaker Soccer Complex. Brenna Lovera's first half goal proved to be the difference maker in the Wildcats' victory.
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The #B1GCats' defense stepped up once again, as Northwestern chalked up their sixth shutout of the season behind another clean sheet from sophomore goalkeeper Laura Clem.
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Northwestern got off to a strong start in the game, bombarding Purdue goalkeeper Erika Yohn with several scoring opportunities that failed to find the back of the net. A great opportunity for the Wildcats' arose midway through the first half, as a cross from junior Kourtney Scott trickled just past the right post.
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Purdue would respond with some offensive pressure of their own, forcing Clem to make three saves throughout the match.
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Freshman Brenna Lovera scored the game's lone goal late in the first half, off a pass along the right side by sophomore Addie Steiner. Lovera dribbled along the end line before flicking a shot past Yohn to give the 'Cats a 1-0 lead just before the break.
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It would be all the offense that Northwestern would need.
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The Wildcats' held off a couple late opportunities for Purdue in the second half, but continued to apply pressure that kept the Boilermakers on their back heels. After turning away a few corner-kicks in the final minutes, Northwestern walked off the field in West Lafayette with their first conference win of the season.
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The Wildcats will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for an 11 a.m., matchup with the Indiana Hoosiers. Northwestern returns to the Chicago-area on Thursday night, when it takes on Maryland in a 7 p.m., game at Toyota Park.
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The #B1GCats' defense stepped up once again, as Northwestern chalked up their sixth shutout of the season behind another clean sheet from sophomore goalkeeper Laura Clem.
Â
Northwestern got off to a strong start in the game, bombarding Purdue goalkeeper Erika Yohn with several scoring opportunities that failed to find the back of the net. A great opportunity for the Wildcats' arose midway through the first half, as a cross from junior Kourtney Scott trickled just past the right post.
Â
Purdue would respond with some offensive pressure of their own, forcing Clem to make three saves throughout the match.
Â
Freshman Brenna Lovera scored the game's lone goal late in the first half, off a pass along the right side by sophomore Addie Steiner. Lovera dribbled along the end line before flicking a shot past Yohn to give the 'Cats a 1-0 lead just before the break.
Â
It would be all the offense that Northwestern would need.
Â
The Wildcats' held off a couple late opportunities for Purdue in the second half, but continued to apply pressure that kept the Boilermakers on their back heels. After turning away a few corner-kicks in the final minutes, Northwestern walked off the field in West Lafayette with their first conference win of the season.
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The Wildcats will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for an 11 a.m., matchup with the Indiana Hoosiers. Northwestern returns to the Chicago-area on Thursday night, when it takes on Maryland in a 7 p.m., game at Toyota Park.
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