Sunday, November 20
Durham, N.C.
1 p.m.
Northwestern
16-3-4
0
at
1
Duke University
15-4-3
1
2
F
Northwestern
0
0
0
#14/14 Duke
1
0
1
#B1GCats Historic Season Ends with Loss to Duke
11/20/2016 3:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C. – After a historical season that saw the program's best run since 1998, Northwestern's 2016 campaign came to an end after a 1-0 loss to third-seeded Duke in the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
"This game was about our seniors and the chemistry that this group has," said head coach Michael Moynihan. "When these seniors started their careers, they were last in the Big Ten. To end their careers as Big Ten Champions and Sweet 16 participants is really something special. We are extremely grateful to that group who stuck through some really tough times and battled through a lot to raise the program to be able to be here today."
Duke opened scoring in the 34th minute when Imani Dorsey fired a shot on frame. Lauren Clem was able to make the stop, but Ella Stevens picked up the rebound and found the back of the net for the Blue Devils.
The Wildcats best chance of the half came when Grace Orndorff broke away from her defender and sent a cross into the area. Unfortunately, she could not connect with her target and the 'Cats remained scoreless.
Duke had a quality opportunity to add an insurance goal when Christina Gibbons sent a laser shot from 30 yards out, but the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Lauren Clem made an impressive save to tally her fifth stop of the game.
Chicago's Big Ten Team drew a foul in the 74th minute to set up a free kick for the 'Cats. Mary Erikson launched a well-placed ball from 45 yards out into the area, but her attempt hit off the far right post and the Wildcats could not tap in the rebound before it was cleared by the Blue Devils.
Northwestern dominated play in the final ten minutes of action, but it was not enough to force extra time.
The Blue Devils advanced to the Elite Eight with the win.
Northwestern punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year. The squad's Sweet 16 run marked just the second appearance for the 'Cats in program history and the first since 1998.
Northwestern finished the season 16-3-4 overall to tie the renowned 1998 team for most wins in a single season. The Wildcats did not lose a single match against a team ranked outside the RPI top 22 (based on the most RPI data).
The #B1GCats tournament bid was bolstered by the stalwart play of the NU defense. Clem anchored a backline that saw a program-best and NCAA-leading 17 shutouts as well as a goals-against-average of .271 to lead the country.
"This game was about our seniors and the chemistry that this group has," said head coach Michael Moynihan. "When these seniors started their careers, they were last in the Big Ten. To end their careers as Big Ten Champions and Sweet 16 participants is really something special. We are extremely grateful to that group who stuck through some really tough times and battled through a lot to raise the program to be able to be here today."
Duke opened scoring in the 34th minute when Imani Dorsey fired a shot on frame. Lauren Clem was able to make the stop, but Ella Stevens picked up the rebound and found the back of the net for the Blue Devils.
The Wildcats best chance of the half came when Grace Orndorff broke away from her defender and sent a cross into the area. Unfortunately, she could not connect with her target and the 'Cats remained scoreless.
Duke had a quality opportunity to add an insurance goal when Christina Gibbons sent a laser shot from 30 yards out, but the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Lauren Clem made an impressive save to tally her fifth stop of the game.
Chicago's Big Ten Team drew a foul in the 74th minute to set up a free kick for the 'Cats. Mary Erikson launched a well-placed ball from 45 yards out into the area, but her attempt hit off the far right post and the Wildcats could not tap in the rebound before it was cleared by the Blue Devils.
Northwestern dominated play in the final ten minutes of action, but it was not enough to force extra time.
The Blue Devils advanced to the Elite Eight with the win.
Northwestern punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year. The squad's Sweet 16 run marked just the second appearance for the 'Cats in program history and the first since 1998.
Northwestern finished the season 16-3-4 overall to tie the renowned 1998 team for most wins in a single season. The Wildcats did not lose a single match against a team ranked outside the RPI top 22 (based on the most RPI data).
The #B1GCats tournament bid was bolstered by the stalwart play of the NU defense. Clem anchored a backline that saw a program-best and NCAA-leading 17 shutouts as well as a goals-against-average of .271 to lead the country.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Team Stats
NU
DU
Goals
0
1
Shots
2
22
Shots on Goal
1
6
Saves
5
1
Corners
1
6
Fouls
8
12
Scoring Plays
Ella Stevens (10)
Assisted By: Imani Dorsey
Scored on a rebound after shot by Dorsey
32:54
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
Women's Soccer - Northwestern Upends No. 4 TCU behind Roesch's Goal (9/4/25)
Friday, September 05
Women's Soccer - 'Cats Blank Butler behind Hennen's Goal (8/31/25)
Sunday, August 31
Women's Soccer - Wildcats Blank Loyola 2-0 in Season Opener (8/14/25)
Friday, August 15
BEST OF: Kennedy Roesch Rookie Reel
Thursday, August 14
