Monday, September 29
Evanston, Ill.
7 p.m. CT
Northwestern
5-4-1, 1-3-0
0
vs
1
Washington
6-3-2, 3-1-0
1
2
F
Washington
1
0
1
Northwestern
0
0
0
Northwestern Upended 1-0 by Washington
9/29/2025 9:53:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern suffered a 1-0 setback against Washington on Monday night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
The Wildcats (5-4-1, 1-3 Big Ten) outshot the Huskies (6-3-2, 3-1 Big Ten) 19-8, but Harrison Bertos' 22nd-minute goal off a set piece ultimately proved the decider. The result marked Northwestern's first home conference defeat since Sept. 27, 2024.
"That's another game where we let it get away from us more than anything," coach Russell Payne said. "Full credit to Washington for making the most of their chance, but we didn't get outplayed. We had more offense than our opponent, but we didn't win the game."
The hosts possessed ample opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, but a pair of Washington goal-line clearances kept the Wildcats off the board despite 13 first-half shots. While Northwestern received seven corner kicks in the half, the Huskies' lone corner proved critical.
Amid a mass of crashing runners in the box, Bertos finished the eventual game-winner on the backpost.
Entering the second half in a one-goal deficit, the Wildcats once again looked to push the tempo from the opening kickoff. Payne's group showcased plenty of creativity in the middle third, but the 'Cats couldn't find a crucial end product.
In the 63rd minute, senior goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de León leapt into action to thwart a Washington counter that devolved into a breakaway. Ponce de León recorded four saves on Monday night.
Despite outshooting the Huskies 6-4 in the second half, Northwestern ultimately walked off the pitch empty-handed.
The Wildcats will be back in action on Tuesday, October 7 against Evansville in Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT, with streaming on B1G+.
"My expectations are that we have the best week of training that we've had all season to put ourselves in the best position to execute against that opponent, but it's us versus us," Payne said.
The Wildcats (5-4-1, 1-3 Big Ten) outshot the Huskies (6-3-2, 3-1 Big Ten) 19-8, but Harrison Bertos' 22nd-minute goal off a set piece ultimately proved the decider. The result marked Northwestern's first home conference defeat since Sept. 27, 2024.
"That's another game where we let it get away from us more than anything," coach Russell Payne said. "Full credit to Washington for making the most of their chance, but we didn't get outplayed. We had more offense than our opponent, but we didn't win the game."
The hosts possessed ample opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, but a pair of Washington goal-line clearances kept the Wildcats off the board despite 13 first-half shots. While Northwestern received seven corner kicks in the half, the Huskies' lone corner proved critical.
Amid a mass of crashing runners in the box, Bertos finished the eventual game-winner on the backpost.
Entering the second half in a one-goal deficit, the Wildcats once again looked to push the tempo from the opening kickoff. Payne's group showcased plenty of creativity in the middle third, but the 'Cats couldn't find a crucial end product.
In the 63rd minute, senior goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de León leapt into action to thwart a Washington counter that devolved into a breakaway. Ponce de León recorded four saves on Monday night.
Despite outshooting the Huskies 6-4 in the second half, Northwestern ultimately walked off the pitch empty-handed.
The Wildcats will be back in action on Tuesday, October 7 against Evansville in Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT, with streaming on B1G+.
"My expectations are that we have the best week of training that we've had all season to put ourselves in the best position to execute against that opponent, but it's us versus us," Payne said.
Team Stats
UW
NU
Goals
1
0
Shots
8
19
Shots on Goal
5
6
Saves
4
4
Corners
3
11
Fouls
12
7
Scoring Plays
Harrison Bertos (3)
Assisted By: Alex Hall , Richie Aman
GOAL by UW Bertos, Harrison Assist by Hall, Alex and Aman, Richie.
21:03
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
4
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Earn Gutsy 2-1 Win Over Rutgers (9/19/25)
Saturday, September 20
Men's Soccer - ‘Cats Strike Late At Xavier, 1-0 (9/6/2025)
Sunday, September 07
Men's Soccer - Suchecki, O'Reilly Lift 'Cats Over Air Force, 2-1 (8/24/25)
Sunday, August 24
Men's Soccer - Riesz's Brace Pushes 'Cats Past Eastern Illinois in 2025 Opener, 2-0 (8/21/25)
Friday, August 22
