Indiana University Athletics
IU Tops Northwestern, 1-0
10/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 13, 2002
Bloomington, Ind. - The No. 4 Indiana men's soccer team won its fifth Big Ten Conference contest and eighth straight game of the season by dropping Northwestern, 1-0, Sunday at Armstrong Stadium. With the win, Indiana improved to 10-1-2 on the season and 5-0-0 in the league while the Wildcats slipped to 5-7-0 and 0-3-0.
Sophomore Josh Reiher netted the first goal of his career to give Indiana a 1-0 advantage 12:41 into the match. Senior Ryan Mack set up the play, passing the ball to sophomore Ned Grabavoy. Grabavoy booted it into the box and senior Pat Noonan got his foot on it before Reiher knocked it into the back right corner of the goal. Grabavoy and Noonan were credited with assists.
Indiana was on attack from start to finish and out-shot Northwestern, 20 to 6. Nine of the Hoosiers' attempts were on goal, including three by Mack.
The Hoosiers had numerous scoring opportunities in the second half. Noonan attempted to chip the Northwestern keeper in the opening minutes of the second half, but J.D. Martin made the same. Martin came up and made two more big saves in the second half denying David Prall in front, and saving a flipped shot by Mack. On the day, Martin made eight saves.
Northwestern put the pressure on the Hoosiers late, but the defense was up to the task. Freshman Brian Plotkin and Grabavoy both cleared dangerous balls in front to help preserve the victory. The last cleared ball came from Grabavoy in front of the goal with about two minutes remaining. IU sophomore keeper Jay Nolly came up with two saves on the day.
Despite playing without a pair of defensive starters Sunday, Indiana recorded its seventh shutout of the season. Senior marking back John Swann missed the contest after he was issued his fifth Yellow Card of the season on Friday against Wisconsin. Sophomore defensive midfielder Danny O'Rourke missed the game due to an injury.
Indiana returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 16, when they travel Lexington, Ky., to take on the Kentucky Wildcats. Game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (Bloomington time) at the UK Soccer Complex.
