Northwestern Records Third Shutout In Last Four Games; Ties Michigan, 0-0 (2OT)
Oct. 19, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In a game that was played through wind and rain and televised live by the Big Ten Network, Northwestern played Michigan to a scoreless tie Friday evening, 0-0 (2OT). The 'Cats picked up their third shutout in their last four games and goalkeeper Lauren Johnston (Denver, Colo./Denver East) extended her shutout streak to 228:04. With the tie, Northwestern moves to 6-5-4, 1-3-2 in the Big Ten. Michigan stands at 2-8-4, 0-4-3 in conference. It marks the second time in the past two years that NU and Michigan have played to a scoreless tie. Last year's contest in Evanston also ended knotted at 0-0. Michigan put the offensive pressure on in the early stages of the first half on its home field. Johnston made a sliding stop in the fourth minute. The senior keeper stayed very active throughout the first frame. The Wolverines had a shot sail wide in the 11th minute, but NU put on its first attack of the game with a Shannon Schneeman (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall) shot that went high and wide in the 20th minute. Freshman Sam Greene (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) had NU's best chance of the first half, a shot directed at the right post that went just wide. Greene and Schneeman set up for a free kick just outside of the box and after Schneeman faked taking the kick, Greene, who just checked into the game, fired off a laser beam of a shot that nearly gave NU a one-goal lead. Johnston made a save with two minutes remaining and the first half ended scoreless.
Sophomore midfielder Zendzi Neal (Washington, D.C./Washington International) gave NU one of its best chances of the second half when she fired a shot high in the 74th minute. Michigan had an opportunity with under six minutes to play, but the second half ended with the score still tied at 0-0 and the teams went to the first of two 10-minute overtimes.
Four minutes into the first overtime, Michigan took a corner kick that sailed into NU's goal box. Johnston pounced on the ball and took a foot to the face in the process. After being on the ground for a matter of seconds, Johnston bounced back up and continued her stellar game. Jenny Dunn (Pacific Palisades, Calif./Louisville) had a look in the final minute of the first overtime, but could not notch the game-winner. NU came out firing in the second overtime period with Schneeman registering a shot in the opening minute. Northwestern's best chance of the game came from the head of Greene with six minutes remaining in the contest. Greene's diving header sailed inches wide of the post and the score remained tied. Greene had another shot go wide halfway through the second overtime and after Michigan had a header attempt go wide off a corner kick in the closing seconds, the game ended in a 0-0 tie -- NU's second in as many games. Michigan took 19 shots to Northwestern's 15. Johnston made four saves in net and Schneeman paced NU with four shots. Greene took three shots off the bench and Dunn's two shots were both on goal. Northwestern returns to action at 11 a.m. Sunday at Michigan State. NOTE: NU's game against Wisconsin on November 2 -- originally scheduled for an afternoon start -- will now be played under the lights at the new Lakeside Field at 7 p.m. |
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