Oct. 20, 2010
Box Score
CHICAGO - Junior forward Oliver Kupe notched his team-leading sixth goal of the season just over 11 minutes into the second half as the Northwestern men's soccer team opened a stretch of three straight road games with a 1-0 win at Loyola Chicago Wednesday night.
The Wildcats dominated play in the first half, holding an 11-3 edge in shots. However, NU wasn't able to put any of the shots on target. Kupe was especially dangerous over the opening 45 minutes of play, recording five of Northwestern's first six shots.
The Wildcats kept the pressure on following the intermission and it eventually paid off at 56:07. Peter O'Neill played a perfect cross to the back post for Kupe who found himself all alone. With Loyola keeper Peter McKeown on the ground, Kupe got just enough of a shot off to find the back of the net and give NU the lead.
The Ramblers finally were able to mount an attack after following behind, but the Northwestern defense was up to the task. The hosts finished with a 7-3 advantage in shots in the second half but were never able to get the equalizer.
Loyola's best opportunity came with three minutes remaining in regulation, but Drew Kotler was able to corral a loose ball near the top of the six-yard box. The NU keeper made one save in the match to earn his fourth shutout of the season.
Loyola finished with advantages of 14-10 in shots and 8-2 in corner kicks, but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats moved to 9-0-2 in their last 11 matches against their local rival.
Kupe posted a match-high seven shots and his goal was his fourth game-winner of the season.
Northwestern returns to action at 7 p.m. Saturday as it returns to Big Ten play at Wisconsin.