Oct. 31, 2007

Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. - No. 12 Northwestern headed home a pair of goals and held off a late Western Illinois charge as it posted a 2-1 victory in men's soccer action at Lakeside Field Wednesday afternoon.

Tyler Voigt assisted on both goals for the Wildcats who improved to 11-3-2 overall with the victory. The Leathernecks saw their record dip to 5-9-3.

Both teams struggled to get their offense on track in the opening half of play. Northwestern was finally able to cash in at the 24:55 mark as Voigt crossed the ball from the right flank to the center of the field where David Roth was able to beat WIU keeper Stephen Paterson with a diving header.

Each squad managed just four shots in the methodical opening half of play.

Very similar to their win over No. 16 Michigan State Sunday, the Wildcats maintained a precarious one-goal advantage heading into the later stages of the contest. Just like he did against the Spartans, it was Eamon O'Neill who was able to tally the decisive second goal late to ice the game for Northwestern. Once again, it was Voigt who sent a cross and O'Neill jumped to head home his third goal of the season with just 2:35 remaining.

However, Western Illinois wasn't about to go quietly. The Leathernecks drew a foul and the ensuing free kick by Nikola Katic went to Phil Duret beyond the top of the 18-yard box and he ripped a blast into the right side of the net to get WIU within 2-1 with 1:29 still to go.

Western Illinois was unable to mount another serious threat, though, as the Wildcats held on for the win. Each team finished the match with 11 shots, while NU held a commanding 8-1 edge in corner kicks.

Justin Pines made two saves to earn his second consecutive win in goal for Northwestern.

The Wildcats will conclude their regular season at 5 p.m. Saturday when they host Green Bay on Senior Day at Lakeside Field.