Sept. 14, 2008

Box Score

Highlights of Hoffman's Hat Trick

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Conditions were fierce along Lake Michigan at Lakeside Field Sunday afternoon, but Northwestern survived the wind, rain and a two-goal deficit to defeat the DePaul Blue Demons, 3-2. Senior Amanda Hoffman continued her torrid start to 2008 with three goals.

With the win, Northwestern improves to 5-2 on the year. Carolyn Edwards picked up the win in goal.

Hoffman's feat marked the first time since 2004 that a Wildcat scored three goals in a game. Shannon Schneeman recorded four against Colorado College that season. Hoffman is the sixth player in program history to accomplish the feat. Head coach Stephanie Erickson recorded the first two NU hat tricks in 1994 and 1996.

Northwestern played into the wind during the first half as the windy and rainy conditions caused havoc at Lakeside Field. The 'Cats let five shots fly and forced four DePaul saves in the first half.

The Blue Demons took advantage of having the wind at their backs when they got on the board in the 39th minute on a breakaway opportunity. The 'Cats went into the break trailing 1-0 as the rains continued to fall along Lake Michigan.

DePaul added to its lead early in the second half with a goal at 53:12 to take a 2-0 lead.

After close to 10 minutes of soccer played in the middle of the pitch, Northwestern mounted its first serious attack of the second half and converted. After a scrum just outside the goal box that saw shots by Leigh Jakes and Jessica Palo saved, Hoffman finally put home her third goal of the year at 68:42.

Hoffman found herself in the right place once again to tally the equalizer at 80:02. The play was set up near midfield by freshman Emily Langston, who got free of a defender and moved back to the middle of the field and dished a pass to senior Jeanette Lorme. Lorme passed off to fellow senior Laura Janowitsch.

Janowitsch put a move on her defender and launched a shot at the DePaul keeper. The goalie made a save, but left a rebound on the doorstep for a waiting Hoffman who put home her fourth goal of the year and second of the game.

Hoffman completed the natural hat trick with the game-winner at 85:24. Jenny Dunn set up the play with a cross near the end line and Hoffman was again at point-blank range to score her team-leading sixth goal of the year. Hoffman also leads the Wildcats with 10 points.

Alicia Herczeg notched an assist and led the 'Cats with three shots along with Hoffman. Edwards made one save and NU recorded seven corners.

Northwestern has a week off before returning to action at 2:30 p.m. Sunday against Saint Louis.