Sept. 12, 2010
Box Score
Site: DeKalb, Ill. (NIU Track/Soccer Complex)
Score: Northwestern 4, Oregon State 1
Records: NU (2-2-0, 0-0-0 Big Ten), Oregon State (3-1-0, 0-0-0 Pac-10)
Next NU Event: Friday, Sept. 17 -- vs. Gonzaga (Lakeside Field), 7:30 p.m.
DeKALB, Ill. - Senior forward Matt Eliason became the top goal scorer in the history of Northwestern men's soccer as the Wildcats earned the title at the NIU adidas/Magnuson Inn Invitational on Sunday with a convincing 4-1 victory over Oregon State.
Eliason's record-breaking 31st career tally came in the first minute of the second half as NU was awarded a penalty kick. The Lombard, Ill., native beat Oregon State keeper Steve Spangler to break a tie with Jonathan Hall (1986-89) for the top spot in program history.
Coupled with a 4-0 win over Cleveland State on Friday, the Wildcats outscored their two opponents in the tournament by a combined 8-1 margin.
"We played very well, particularly in the first half," Northwestern head coach Tim Lenahan said. "I was a little concerned that we only got out of the first half only ahead 1-0. I thought we let Oregon State hang around a little bit by not getting the second goal.
"All in all, it was a good weekend for us, bouncing back from last weekend, particularly scoring eight goals in the two games. I I was quite happy with our performance. It's a good win over a team that had been undefeated and ranked. Hopefully we're on the right track heading home next weekend."
While Eliason has displayed his scoring prowess for the last four years, three other Northwestern players notched their first collegiate goals in the contest.
The Wildcats controlled the action from the start before their efforts finally paid off at the 22:54 mark. Peter O'Neill and Lucas Swertloff teamed up with Lepe Seetane to help the freshman earn his first career tally and give Northwestern the lead.
Overall, the 'Cats out-shot the Beavers 12-2 over the opening 45 minutes of play.
Eliason's record-breaker came just 56 seconds into the second half as Northwestern was granted a penalty kick after Oliver Kupe was taken down inside the box. Just like in their victory over Cleveland State on Friday, the Wildcats would go on to score a total of three second-half goals to open things up.
NU put the game away for all intents and purposes in the 69th minute of play off a set piece. The Wildcats earned a corner kick and Reed Losee played the ball to the far post where Jarrett Baughman poked it in off the post to make it 3-0.
Oregon State would spoil the shutout in the 84th minute on a score by Brian Ramsey. However, Northwestern reclaimed its three-goal margin just 72 seconds later. Nick Gendron stole the ball from an OSU defender at the top of the box and beat Spengler to the lower right corner to put the game on ice.
Northwestern finished with a commanding 18-8 advantage in shots, including 7-2 on goal. Drew Kotler needed to make only one save to earn the victory in goal for the Wildcats.
Kupe (MVP), Eliason, O'Neill and Layth Masri represented NU on the all-tournament team.
Northwestern returns to action Friday when it opens its home season by taking on Gonzaga as part of the Lakeside Classic at Lakeside Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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