Aug. 27, 2010
Site: Syracuse, N.Y. (J.S. Coyne Stadium)
Score: No. 8 Syracuse 6, Northwestern 1
Records: NU (0-1, 0-0 Big Ten), Syracuse (1-0, 0-0 Big East)
Next NU Event: Saturday, Aug. 28 -- vs. Northeastern (Syracuse, N.Y.), 1 p.m. CT
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Opening its 2010 season with a test against one of the nation's top teams, Northwestern came out on the short end of a 6-1 decision at No. 8 Syracuse Friday at Coyne Stadium. Senior Marnie Robbins made her first career start for the 'Cats and tallied the second goal of her career, but SU's 33 shots were too much for NU to overcome.
"Syracuse is a very good team and they showed that today," said Northwestern head coach Tracey Fuchs. "We did some good things today but we also know what we need to improve on. I know our team will be excited to get back on the field tomorrow against Northeastern and get back to work."
After Northwestern dictated play through the opening three minutes of action, Syracuse began to control the pace in its offensive end of the field. On its third penalty corner within a span of three minutes, the Orange executed a well-designed play as senior Maggie Befort tapped in a pass at the left post with 10:56 to play.
SU kept the pressure on, peppering NU goalkeeper Amanda Wirth with a series of shots that eventually led to a penalty stroke being called for the Orange. Martina Concarica hit a low, hard shot to the left post that barely skirted past Wirth's extended leg as SU took a 2-0 lead.
After 21 minutes of play, however, Northwestern broke through for its first goal of the 2010 campaign courtesy of senior forward Marnie Robbins. Junior Kaylee Pohlmeyer won the ball at the top of the circle and slid it quickly to Robbins near the cage, who deflected the ball high for the second goal of her career.
Northwestern continued to press but it was the Orange who got the next goal, regaining a two-goal advantage when Lindsey Conrad spun in the middle of the circle and blasted a shot off the back board.
The Wildcats rebounded in the second half as forward Chelsea Armstrong created multiple opportunities in the circle early on. But each time the Orange progressed down the field, they were able to get a good look at the cage. Conrad added her second goal of the game early in the second half and Syracuse later managed to score twice in a six-minute timeframe en route to a 6-1 lead.
Wirth finished with seven saves on the afternoon.
Northwestern will remain in Syracuse to face America East Conference foe Northeastern in a neutral site affair at 1 p.m. CT.
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