Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Northwestern
Hoosiers Post Second Straight Shutout, 1-0, over Northwestern
10/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 7, 2006
Final Stats | Photo Gallery
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana posted its second consecutive shutout at home, blanking Northwestern on Oct. 7, 1-0.
"That was a nice win, they kept it an even game," head coach Mike Freitag said after the game. "We got an early goal, which was good. The Big Ten games are tough, and I was glad that we came out on top.
"Our defense has been playing hard, they haven't given up many quality chances this year."
Freshman Eric Alexander scored in the 28th minute for the game's lone goal. Kevin Robson sent Alexander a thru ball in the midfield, and Alexander curled it into the upper right 90 past a diving Will Briley from 20 yards out.
The goal was Alexander's second in as many games, and the second of his career. Robson leads the Hoosiers with five assists on the season.
Chay Cain picked up his fourth shutout of the season, making four stops in goal.
The game was remarkably even statistically, with Indiana holding a slim 11-10 lead in shots. The Hoosiers had four shots to the Wildcats' three in the first half, while both teams took seven shots in the second stanza.
Both sides had four corner kicks and four saves.
Carl Pett, Matt Witt and Brian Usinger paced Northwestern (9-4, 1-3 Big Ten) with two shots each. Briley took the loss in goal, as he surrendered one goal and made four saves in 74:47 of work. Justin Pines took over from there, working the final 15:13.
Northwestern was continuously stifled by the Indiana defense. Although the Wildcats had the ball in their attacking third a number of times during the game, they did not have many good looks at the net.
The Hoosiers (8-3-2, 2-0-1 Big Ten) look to continue their six-game unbeaten streak when they return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 10, when they will host IUPUI at 7 p.m.
