Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
4-0-1, 0-0-0
Boston University
2-2-1, 0-0-0
Northwestern Notches Third Straight Victory, Shuts Out Boston U. 3-0
8/31/2023 9:22:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern recorded its fourth clean sheet of the season Thursday, cruising to a 3-0 victory against Boston U. under the lights at Martin Stadium.
"Our defenders really limited their chances," head coach Michael Moynihan said. "Reiley (Fitzpatrick) had the one save, but I was proud of the (backline). It was a tough ask with all the space and being isolated 1v1 pretty much the whole game."
The Wildcats, propelled by two goal contributions from senior midfielder Meg Boade, tallied three or more goals for the fourth time this season, with senior forward Ella Hase and first-year forward Megan Norkett joining Boade on the scoresheet.
Hase broke the deadlock in the 14th minute for her third goal of the season. After receiving a pass from graduate student forward Aurea del Carmen, Boade sliced through multiple Terrier defenders before laying the ball off to Hase, who wasted little time hammering the ball into the back of the net.
The 'Cats ripped off 10 shots in the first 45 minutes, forcing four saves from the Boston U. goalkeeper. Still, Northwestern could not find a second score, carrying a 1-0 advantage into the intermission.
Moynihan said he knew that his defenders would be isolated defensively for much of the game, but it also afforded the Wildcats' attack some advantages in the final third.
"We knew that would create a ton of opportunities for us with our wingbacks," Moynihan said. "Ella (Hase) and Ingrid (Falls) on the sides were fantastic, creating a lot of chances and that opened things up. We knew it would be one of those games where we create a lot of chances and it was just a matter of finishing them."
Northwestern was once again the aggressor in the second frame, recording nine shots and dominating possession. After several nearly successful forays in front of the Terriers' goal, the 'Cats bagged their second goal in the 82nd minute courtesy of Norkett. The Naperville, Illinois, native tracked down a long ball from graduate student defender Danika Austin. Standing near the touchline, Norkett beat her defender before taking a couple dribbles and rifling a left-footed strike into the back of the net. The score was Norkett's first goal of her collegiate career and all but secured the victory for the 'Cats.
"It's obviously so exciting," Norkett said of her goal. "I've been dreaming of playing here for the longest time, so actually getting to come out here and contribute to the team (is awesome). Everyone played a great game today, so it was really nice to help out the team."
Less than five minutes later, del Carmen whipped a ball into the center of the box, with Boade flying in to meeting the former's cross. Boade's flying volley finish marked Northwestern's third goal of the game and capped off the team's third straight victory and fourth of the season.
"We've been playing some good teams, so it's nice to get the balls in the back of the net," Norkett said. "We have a lot of players going forward and there's a lot of talent in the backline to support us to get forward. That's how we're able to get three goals plus on each team."
Game Notes
- The 3-0 win marked the third straight game and fourth game this season scoring three or more goals.
- The 'Cats are unbeaten through five games for the first time since 2018.
- 17 goals through five games is the most in program history.
- Northwestern has not allowed a goal from the run of play this season.
Thursday Night DUB ??
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) September 1, 2023
14' ?? Hase
82' ?? @megan_norkett
86' ?? @megboade pic.twitter.com/vNBZDXiugq
Team Stats
Ella Hase (3)
Assisted By: Meg Boade
GOAL by NU Hase, Ella Assist by Boade, Meg.
13:30
Megan Norkett (1)
Assisted By: Danika Austin
GOAL by NU Norkett, Megan Assist by Austin, Danika.
81:12
Meg Boade (2)
Assisted By: Aurea del Carmen
GOAL by NU Boade, Meg Assist by del Carmen, Aurea.
85:22
