Aug. 23, 2005
Northwestern-Bradley Box Score
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday, Aug. 23, an exhibition loss to in-state rival Bradley University. The nationally ranked Wildcats scored first and out-shot the Braves, but could not sustain the lead throughout the match.
At 25:33, junior midfielder Will Nicholas (Orefield, Pa/Parkland) was the first to light up the scoreboard with his first goal on the year. After the `Cats got the ball deep in the corner of Bradley territory, Daniel Chille (Lake Zurch, Ill./Stevenson) sent a long, low centering pass into the box. Amidst defenders, Nicholas was able to gain control and drive home a shot passed a diving Chris Dunsheath, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
8:20 later, Bradley tied the game when Teddy Anderson took a rebound off of Justin Pines and sent it to the back of the net.
A little under three minutes later, the Braves scored what would prove to be the game-winner. The Wildcats were called for a foul inside the Bradley box because Pines picked-up a ball passed to him by a Northwestern defender. On the ensuing set piece, Anderson tapped the ball and Bradley's Kevin Erikson scored on the indirect kick, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead.
After halftime, Northwestern came out with renewed energy, looking to take back control of the game. The Wildcats were able to penetrate deep into Braves territory on a few occasions, but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including two close diving headers that were sent just high of the goal.
While battling the Braves to a stalemate for a majority of the second half, Anderson put the match out of reach for the `Cats with his second goal on the day. As Anderson headed towards the NU goal, Pines came out of the goal and cleared the ball away. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Bradley was able to quickly take control of the ball and broke away towards the goal. With no one back, Anderson was able to score at 77:22, giving the Braves a 3-1 lead.
Northwestern out-shot the Braves, 13-11, and were awarded eight corner kicks to the Braves' five.
Nicholas led with the Wildcats with five shots, two of which were on goal.
This exhibition match was played with two 40-minute halves.
The Wildcats are back in action at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27. They will host the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the 'Cats' final exhibition match.