Sept. 11, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern, ranked No. 14 by the NSCAA, remains within the state of Illinois this weekend as it heads west to DeKalb for the NIU/adidas Invitational. The Wildcats open by facing Eastern Illinois at 11:30 a.m. Friday before taking on Xavier at noon Sunday. Gametracker is expected to be available for both matches and can be accessed via NUsports.com.
Scouting Eastern Illinois
The Panthers (3-1-0) have won three straight following a season-opening loss to Valparaiso. EIU is coming off a convincing 5-2 victory at IPFW last Sunday. Alex Harrison was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week after posting three goals and an assist in wins over Western Michigan and IPFW. The sophomore forward from England leads the team in goals (3), assists (3) and points (9) this season. The Panthers sported a 12-6-3 record a year ago. Adam Howarth is in his ninth season as the head coach at his alma mater.
Scouting Xavier
The Musketeers (0-3-0) are still seeking their first win this season after most recently suffering a tight 2-1 loss to then-No. 13 Virginia Tech. Xavier jumped out to an early lead just over nine minutes in on a goal by Andy Dimbi, the Musketeers' first goal of the season. However, the Hokies tied the match and then got the game-winner with just 2:33 remaining in the second half. Xavier posted an 8-10-1 record a year ago. Head coach Dave Schureck is in his fourth season at the helm and is 19-33-8 at Xavier and 76-66-16 in nine seasons overall.
Series Information
Eastern Illinois leads the all-time series with Northwestern, 4-3-5. The Wildcats notched a 2-1 win in the most recent meeting with the Panthers Sept. 19, 2004 in Nashville, Tenn. NU has played Xavier just once before, defeating the Musketeers 2-1 during the 1989 season.
Lafayette Classic Review
Northwestern posted a win and a tie to remain undefeated and claim the title at the Lafayette Classic in Easton, Pa., last weekend. The Wildcats opened the Classic with a convincing 4-1 win Friday over Iona. NU fell behind early as it allowed its first goal of the season - an own goal - just over two minutes into the contest. Northwestern evened the score on a direct kick by Mark Blades and then pulled away in the second half behind a trio of goals. Drew Ratner, Matt Eliason and Tyler Voigt - who also added an assist - did the scoring honors for the 'Cats. In Sunday's match, NU posted eight shots on goal against host Lafayette, but neither team was able to score in 110 minutes of action. Misha Rosenthal made a season-high four saves in goal to earn his third shutout of the year. Piero Bellizzi was named the MVP of the Classic, with Blades, Eliason and Voigt also earning all-tournament team honors.
Blades Named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Junior Mark Blades was recognized Monday by being named the Big Ten Men's Soccer Co-Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first such honor of Blades' career. He shares this week's award with Ohio State's Tim Gabel. Blades scored a goal that tied the match at the time in what was eventually a 4-1 win over Iona on Friday. He then helped the Wildcats post their third shutout in four matches this season on Sunday when NU blanked Lafayette over 110 minutes of action.
So Far, So Good
Northwestern's 3-0-1 record matches a school best for the top mark through the first four matches of the season. The 2007 squad had a similar mark through four matches en route to a program-best 7-0-1 start. The Wildcats moved up to No. 14 in this week's NSCAA poll and are ranked third in the Great Lakes Region behind only Akron and Notre Dame.
Looking Ahead
Northwestern returns home for a pair of matches next weekend. The Wildcats host Loyola Marymount at 6 p.m. Friday before taking on Princeton at noon Sunday.