Sept. 11, 2011

Box Score

Site: DeKalb, Ill. (NIU Soccer Complex)
Score: Valparaiso 1, Northwestern 0
Records: NU (1-3-1), Valparaiso (2-2-1)
Next NU Event: Friday, Sept. 16 -- vs. UC Davis (Lakeside Field), 7:30 p.m.

DeKALB, Ill. -- Northwestern was shocked by a late goal for the second time in three days as Valparaiso posted the match's lone tally with just 17 second remaining in regulation to defeat the Wildcats 1-0 Sunday afternoon at the NIU adidas Invitational.

Two days earlier, NU led Portland 1-0 in the waning moments before the Pilots scored twice in the final five minutes of the match to steal a victory.

Chadd Sult posted the only goal of Sunday's contest following a cross from Todd Vervynckt just seconds before the match appeared headed for overtime.

Northwestern held a slim 4-3 edge in shots in the opening half of play, as well as a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks. Reed Losee had the Wildcats' lone shot on goal in the first period with Valpo goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck coming up with the save. The Wildcats earned a corner kick following the shot, but were unable to convert.

Each team managed just one shot on goal throughout the majority of the second half before the Crusaders got the game-winner in the final seconds.

Both teams recorded nine shots in the match, with NU holding a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. Freshman goalkeeper Tyler Miller had two saves for the Wildcats. Layth Masri and Nikko Boxall represented Northwestern on the all-tournament team.

The Wildcats return to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday as they open play at the Lakeside Classic by taking on UC Davis. The contest follows a match between Northern Illinois and Xavier that kicks off at 5 p.m.

••••••