Sept. 5, 2009
Box Score
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Northwestern got out to a two-goal second-half lead against Yale before the Bulldogs fought to tie the score, but sophomore Kaylee Pohlmeyer scored her first-career goal 10 minutes into overtime to lift NU to a 3-2 victory Saturday in New Haven, Conn. Just four games into the 2009 season, the Wildcats are now a perfect 3-0 in overtime contests.
Both squads displayed their offensive prowess through the entire game as Northwestern (3-1) fired 18 shots and forced seven saves by Yale while surrendering 21 shots to the Bulldogs. Junior goalkeeper Katie Lynch repeatedly came up big for the 'Cats and recorded 12 saves, one off her career high set on Oct. 5, 2007.
NU got on the board in the final minute of the first half courtesy of a goal by senior Stephanie Fortson. Fortson started a penalty corner with her push to the top of the circle and eventually managed to get on the receiving end of a hit by sophomore Chelsea Armstrong. It was the second goal for Fortson this season and the fifth of her career.
After the break, Northwestern built a two-goal cushion following yet another penalty corner thanks to a blast by Armstrong, who has five goals through four games and has scored at least once in every match.
Yale did not go away, however, pulling to within one after a goal by Erin Carter. The Wildcats were on the verge of escaping Johnson Field with a victory in regulation until Marissa Waldemore knotted the score at two with just 1:23 remaining.
Northwestern had every reason to be confident heading into the six-on-six overtime period following its season-opening wins against Boston University and Ohio a week ago. Each team managed four shots in overtime but in the end it was Pohlmeyer who jetted behind the defense and took a pass from Zoe Almquist, going on to finish the breakaway and secure victory for the Wildcats. With the win, Northwestern improves to 3-0 all-time against Yale.
NU faces a quick turnaround with an 11 a.m. CT contest on Sunday against Sacred Heart.