Northwestern
1-5-2, 0-2-0
Michigan
3-4-2, 1-1-0
Northwestern Falls to Michigan in Big Ten Home Opener 3-1
9/23/2022 9:40:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. –– Northwestern came up short against Michigan 3-1 Friday at Martin Stadium.
Northwestern fell to 1-5-2 overall and 0-2-0 in Big Ten play following the defeat.
How it Happened
Michigan opened the scoring when scored in the 31st minute.
The Wolverines scored again on a goal from Kevin Buca in the 32nd minute.
Northwestern got on the board to make it a 2-1 game on Vicente Castro's 50th-minute goal, his first of the season.
Castro from way downtown! pic.twitter.com/Q55OzMFicT
— Northwestern Men's Soccer (@NUMensSoccer) September 24, 2022
"The message at halftime was 'it's 0-0.' We fought back and we got it 2-1. And I thought we were in a good place." Head Coach Russell Payne said postgame Friday. "We're still growing in terms of composure. If we can grow a little bit more in terms of composure, we can get a second and tie it up."
The Wolverines made it a 3-1 lead with a 67th-minute goal from Quin Rogers. The goal capped the scoring in the game.
"I'm actually really proud of our guys. They had some of the best fight and the best moments in terms of pressing, winning the ball, moving it and playing to our strengths. We haven't done that enough, where we're able to take advantage of vulnerabilities. I feel like tonight we found something we could get after for a large part of the game we did that. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. Full credit to Michigan, they're a good team and they made it hard for us."
Game Notes
- Vicente Castro became the eighth Wildcat of the year to tally a goal, surpassing last season's total of seven
- Northwestern outshot Michigan in the first half, 6-5
- The Wildcats earned five corner kicks
- 1013 spectators attended the match, the most for a home game this season
Seven Wildcats who appeared in Friday's game were either first-years or transfer students. Payne shared that he's encouraged by the progress the newcomers have made so far this season. "I'm really encouraged by all of our guys. We have transfers, first years, and returners who are giving everything. It's new for all these guys and I think they're doing a great job to do their part for the group. Our guys are supporting them really well and that's why they're on the field, because they're earning their spots."
"We're going to go on the road Tuesday, and I know that if we execute, we have a chance to come home with points. Regardless of any team we play in the conference or outside the conference, that doesn't change." Payne added. "Our players are as hungry, as talented, and as ready to go and get three points on Tuesday."
The 'Cats continue Big Ten play on national television Tuesday, when they take on Indiana. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and can be seen on Big Ten Network.
This article created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Team Stats
Inaki Rodriguez (2)
GOAL by UM Rodriguez, Inaki.
30:42
Kevin Buca (1)
GOAL by UM Buca, Kevin.
31:44
Vicente Castro (1)
GOAL by NU Castro, Vicente.
49:41
Quin Rogers (1)
UM Quin Rogers PENALTY KICK GOAL.
66:26
