Sept. 1, 2011
Northwestern (2-0, 0-0) vs. Virginia Commonwealth (1-1, 0-0)
Friday, Sept. 2
Lakeside Field
Evanston, Ill. 2 p.m.
Live Video
Northwestern (2-0, 0-0) vs. No. 17 Albany (1-1, 0-0)
Sunday, Sept. 4
Lakeside Field
Evanston, Ill. 1 p.m.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Coming off a successful road trip to the Buckeye state, Northwestern (2-0, 0-0) returns home to Lakeside Field for a weekend homestand against Virginia Commonwealth and No. 17 Albany. NU, which hasn't allowed a goal through its first two games, is looking to capture its first 4-0 start since 2004.
Fans unable to make it to Lakeside Field this weekend can keep up to date with both games online. On Friday, NUsports.com will offer live streaming video on its All-Access video player along with live updates on Gametracker and Twitter (@NU_SportsLIVE. Both Gametracker and Twitter will again be available for Sunday's matchup with Albany.
Around the Conference
Tracey Fuchs' Northwestern squad was one of only two Big Ten teams to make it through opening weekend without a loss, along with Indiana. The Wildcats also scored more goals (8) and earned more penalty corners (21) than any other conference team.
The Armstrong Watch
Junior Chelsea Armstrong is making her way up the list of the most prolific playeres in NU history, quickly adding to her near-program-record totals in both career points (127) and goals scored (51). Armstrong has been on a tear for the Wildcats' offense, combining for five goals and an assist in the first two games, earning her Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. She needs a mere 13 more points and nine more goals to set the two long-standing NU records.
Solid in the Cage
With the recent addition of freshman Maddy Carpenter at the beginning of the year, Northwestern has found itself on solid ground with options at goalkeeper -- and it's showing. Through the first two games, against the 2010 Mid-American Conference champion, Kent State, and runner-up, Miami (Ohio), the Wildcats have not allowed a goal despite facing 23 shots.
Carpenter got the nod for her first career start against the Golden Flashes in NU's opener and notched an impressive seven saves in seven shots on goal. The performance earned her Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week honors. Junior Amanda Wirth, who started 16 games a year ago for Northwestern, followed up with a strong performance of her own, stopping the only two shots that came her way against the RedHawks and withstanding 11 MU penalty corners.
Starting Anew
With the beginning of the new year, several Wildcats got their first opportunity to be in the starting 11 last weekend. The group included sophomore Maria Kovalchuk at midfield, redshirt freshman defender -- and preseason Big Ten Player to Watch -- Kelsey Thompson and true freshman forward Kirsty Crampton Smith.
Scouting the Rams
Last season was the first time Northwestern and Virginia Commonwealth took to the pitch against each other. The Rams got the best of the Wildcats in Richmond, Va., 4-1, with the help of goalkeeper returning senior Erin Jablonski down the stretch.
This year, VCU comes to Northwestern with a 1-1 record, after having lost on the road to No. 3 Virginia, 8-1, and edging out Appalachian State at home, 4-1. The Rams are led offensively by the their two forwards, junior Kelsey Scherrer and sophomore Emilie Soares, who were both honored with preseason All-CAA accolades.
Scouting the Great Danes
Northwestern's Sunday match against Albany marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Albany travels to Evanston as the 17th-ranked team in the country and a 5-0 win over Robert Morris, but the Great Danes are fresh off a tough 3-2 loss to No. 20 Stanford at home on Wednesday.
As reigning America East Conference champions, the Great Danes are led by senior Christina Patrick and sophomore Daphne Voormolen who scored 41 and 23 points, respectively, last season.
Up Next
After its two-game homestand, Northwestern must begin preparations for the preseason No. 1-ranked team in the country, Maryland. The 'Cats and Terps meet Saturday, Sept. 10, in College Park, a game that precedes tests away from home against 10th-ranked American University and Ball State.
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