Aug. 25, 2002
Evanston, Ill.-Northwestern dropped its exhibition match to crosstown rival DePaul, 1-0, Sunday at Lakeside Field in front of a crowd of more than 100. The Blue Demons' Mike Fenton scored the game-winner in the 81st minute.
"We had a couple of chances, they had some chances," said NU Head Coach Tim Lenahan. "It was a pretty even game."
After a slow-paced first half, both teams had their share of scoring opportunities in the second. NU goalkeeper Brian Heckenbach (Algonquin, Ill./Jacobs) misplayed a ball, giving the Blue Demons their first good scoring chance, but the shot skipped off the post.
Minutes later, a Blue Demon turnover gave Eric Brin (Westlake, Calif./Westlake) a wide-open look at the goal, but Brin could not capitalize. Midfielder Kevin Earnest (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) later shook a defender off and lobbed it to Dave Vargas (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Ignatius). Vargas dribbled in for the goal but was tied up by the Demons' keeper.
DePaul scored after a Northwestern breakdown that allowed Fenton past NU defenders for a breakaway goal.
The Wildcats and the Blue Demons each finished with six shots, three of which were on goal.
"This was our first test," Lenahan said. "We have a long way to go, but we hope to see a little growth as the season goes on."
Northwestern opens up the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday at traditional power Bradley in the Holiday Inn City Centre Classic