Sept. 3, 2010
Site: Evanston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Score: Kansas 2, Northwestern 1
Records: NU (2-2-1, 0-0 Big Ten), Kansas (2-1-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Next NU Event: Sunday, Sept. 5 -- vs. Missouri (Lakeside Field), 1 p.m.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After falling behind by a pair of goals, Northwestern's attempt at a late-game rally fell just short Friday as the Wildcats lost to Kansas, 2-1, on an unseasonably cool night at Lakeside Field.
A strong wind played a big factor in the first half of the match, as both teams found it difficult to control the ball and mount an attack in a constant westerly wind. Northwestern outshot Kansas in the half, 3-1.
The pace of the game changed dramatically in the second half, with the two teams combining for 18 shots after intermission. Emily Langston (Los Altos, Calif./Los Altos) nearly scored for Northwestern in the 54th minute. Out a scrum inside the six-yard box, Langtson emerged with the ball near the far post. The ball took a strange hop as the junior went to strike, and the resulting shot floated toward the line, allowing Kansas goalkeeper Kat Liebetrau enough time to recover and make the save.
Kansas (2-1) opened the scoring in the 66th minute, when Caroline Kastor dribbled into the box and beat Carolyn Edwards (Lincolnshire, Ill./Stevenson) with a shot toward the near post. The Jayhawks made the score 2-0 in the 83rd off a one-timer from Kaitlyn Cunningham to the upper left corner of the net.
Just over a minute later, Langston got the 'Cats on the board with her first goal of the season. Off a cross along the end line, Langston punched the ball in from the near post.
NU kept the pressure on and Bo Podkopacz (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) had a chance to even the game in the 86th minute, but Liebetrau smothered the shot for her fifth save of the match.
"Overall it was a really disappointing result," said head coach Stephanie Foster. "We didn't show up and protect our home field. Kansas just wanted to win. We're still in the process of learning how to win. We will continue to improve and get better."
The Wildcats continue their home stand Sunday when they welcome the Missouri Tigers to Lakeside Field. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will feature a postgame skills clinic for all children in 8th grade and younger. Admission and parking are free for Northwestern women's soccer.
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