Friday, September 28
Evanston, Ill.
7 p.m.
Northwestern
vs
Michigan
Photo by: Stephen J. Carrera
#B1GCats Close Out Homestand Against Michigan Friday
9/26/2018 4:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
| 2018 NORTHWESTERN WOMEN'S SOCCER | ||||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CT) | LOCATION | WATCH | LISTEN | LIVE STATS |
| Friday, Sept. 28 | Michigan | 7 p.m. | Evanston, Ill. | BTN | WNUR | Sidearm |
| Social: Twitter (@NUWSoccer) | Instagram (@NUWSoccer) | Facebook | ||||||
EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 17 Northwestern closes out its homestand at Martin Stadium Friday night when it welcomes Michigan for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Wildcats improved four spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll this week after defeating No. 20 Penn State, 1-0, at home last Thursday and dropping an unfortunate 1-0 overtime result to Ohio State.
First year goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood won Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time this season for making six saves each in a shutout against the Nittany Lions and a scoreless first 90 minutes against the Buckeyes.
The 'Cats lead the Big Ten in shutouts (7), goals-against-average (.431) and save percentage (.894). Their marks in shutouts and save percentage are both top-five nationally while their goals-against-average is in the top 15.
Seniors Marisa Viggiano and Kayla Sharples have both started every match in their Northwestern careers, a streak which has totaled 79 games. Another start would give the two of them sole possession of second-place all-time in program history, and leave them nine starts behind the record of 89, set by Lauren Clem in 2017.
Senior Brenna Lovera leads the offense with four goals and two assists so far this season, with three of her goals coming at Martin Stadium. She needs just two more goals to crack the top-ten all-time in program history, while holding the program record for most career game-winning goals with ten.
Northwestern trails the all-time series against Michigan, but won the last matchup against the Wolverines in 2016, 2-1. Current senior Michele Chernesky scored the game's first goal before her classmate Olivia Korhonen scored the winner against then-No. 19 Michigan. Four out of the last five matchups have taken place in Evanston.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Michigan
The Wolverines are 6-5 to start the season and 2-2 to start the Big Ten play with wins over No. 17 Wisconsin and Purdue. They suffered double overtime losses to both Minnesota and Indiana. Against Wake Forest, a team the 'Cats defeated 2-0, Michigan lost by a 4-0 scoreline.
Three players on Michigan have ten points already this season, with sophomore Nicki Hernandez leading the way with six goals and five assists. Senior Reilly Martin has five goals and three assists while sophomore Sarah Strakigakis has five goals and one assist.
Goalkeeper Izzy Nino has played in nine of the 11 games this season, and has allowed 17 goals for a goals-against-average of 1.87 while posting a save percentage of .585. Sophomore Hillary Beall has played the last two matches, however, allowing one goal and making six saves.
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Players Mentioned
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