Wildcats Fall in Final Exhibition Match at Creighton

Saturday, August 22

Omaha, Neb.

7 p.m.

Northwestern

Creighton (Exhibition)

Photo by: Stephen J. Carrera

Wildcats Fall in Final Exhibition Match at Creighton

8/22/2015 10:04:00 PM | Men's Soccer

OMAHA, Neb. — The Northwestern men's soccer program played its final exhibition match before the start of the regular season next week, falling to Creighton at Morris Stadium Saturday evening, 5-0.

The Jays, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament a season ago, provided the Wildcats with an important test to close the preseason as they are ranked No. 6 in the NSCAA preseason coaches poll. Northwestern will open the regular season a week from today when they host Colgate at UIC's Flames Field in Chicago.

The game was delayed nearly an hour due to storms in the area and when it finally started the Wildcats found themselves trying to hold off the Jays' attack. Creighton fired five shots before senior Henry Herrill took the 'Cats' first shot of the contest, but it was saved by Connor Sparrow.

Creighton took the lead with a goal in the 19th minute and went on to extend the lead to 3-0 by the end of the first half. Senior Zak Allen played the first 45 minutes between the pipes for the 'Cats, surrended three goals and making a pair of saves.

Senior Joey Calistri and freshman Shannon Seymour put a pair of shots on goal in the first 16 minutes of the second half, but Sparrow made two more of his five saves in the game to keep NU off the board.

Sophomore Francisco Tomasino made the first of his three second-half saves in 53rd minute, but he would go on to allow a pair of goals during his time on the pitch. The Jays extended their lead to 4-0 on in the 64th minute and then closed the scoring in the 84th minute for the final 5-0 tally.

Northwestern mustered just three shots in each half, whle Creighton finished the game with a 19-6 edge. The Jays also had nine shots on goals to the Wildcats' five.

"We were thoroughly outplayed from the opening whistle on both sides of the ball," head coach Tim Lenahan said. "We found out what its like to play a top program tonight. The games count starting next week, so we will regroup and be ready for Colgate."

The 'Cats will now turn their attention to the regular season starting next Saturday against Colgate. Due to the ongoing renovations at Lanny & Sharron Martin Stadium, the Wildcats will play six of their eight home games at Toyota Park, home of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. An pair of additional 'home' games will be played at UIC's Flames Field, including the season opener against Colgate.