Wildcats Return to Evanston to Host Oregon in Thursday Night Tilt

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern returns home to Evanston for a Big Ten clash against Oregon on Thursday night. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on B1G+.

Last time out, the Wildcats brought home a point in a 2-2 road draw at Minnesota. After Minnesota went ahead in the 19th minute, Northwestern scored in the 30th and 51st minutes to take a 2-1 lead. The Golden Gophers were awarded a penalty kick in the 87th minute and converted to split the points.

Senior forward Megan Norkett tallied a goal and an assist in Sunday’s contest at Minnesota. Norkett’s goal marked her first of the season and the 10th of her career. The Naperville, Ill., native is the first Wildcat to record a goal and an assist in the same game since Norkett and junior forward Kennedy Roesch both did so in a 3-0 win over Rutgers on Oct. 12, 2025.

Junior defender Olivia Elliott notched her first career goal in the second half on Sunday at Minnesota. Elliott’s goal was assisted by Norkett and junior defender/midfielder Ava Goodin.

The ‘Cats are unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five Big Ten home games, dating back to Oct. 5, 2025. 

All six field players in Northwestern’s first-year class have appeared in a game this season, with defender/midfielder Naomi Lofthouse, midfielder Elle Phillips, defender Amber Weaver and defender/midfielder Gwen Zimmerman all earning starts.

Thursday’s meeting will be the first-ever trip to Evanston for the Ducks. NU and Oregon met for the first time in series history in 2025, a scoreless draw in Eugene.

The Ducks (6-1-2, 1-1-1 Big Ten) are led offensively by junior midfielder Carly Cormack with four goals and four assists in 2026. Fifth year goalkeeper Kailey Kimball has featured lately in goal for Oregon, starting each of the Ducks’ two most recent games and making three starts over five appearances. Kimball has posted a 0.32 goals against average and an .833 save percentage.

The ‘Cats will stay home to take on Indiana on Sunday, Sep. 27. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. CT on B1G+.