Sept. 1, 2011
Box Score
Site: Bridgeview, Ill. (Toyota Park)
Score: Northwestern 0, No. 7 California 0
Records: NU (0-1-1), California (1-0-1)
Next NU Event: Monday, Sept. 5 -- vs. UMKC (Lakeside Field), 2 p.m.
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Northwestern controlled the action through its match with No. 7 California at Toyota Park Thursday evening, but the Wildcats were forced to settle for a scoreless draw with the Golden Bears.
NU finished with advantages of 15-7 in shots and 8-1 in corner kicks, but couldn't quite come up with a decisive goal to earn the victory.
"I'm proud of the way we responded after our opening loss," Northwestern head coach Tim Lenahan said. "We made some tactical changes and it seemed to work out well tonight. Even though I think we may have deserved better than a draw, it is still a fair result."
The Wildcats displayed a great deal of poise and energy throughout the opening half of play with Reed Losee notching a pair of early shots on goal and Lepe Seetane creating numerous dynamic opportunities for NU.
Northwestern dominated possession against their ranked foes throughout the first stanza. Though they were unable to cash in for a score, the Wildcats posted advantages of 7-3 in shots and 4-0 in corner kicks over the first 45 minutes of play.
NU continued to mount pressure right out of the locker room at the start of the second period as Seetane had a blast blocked by a teammate right in front of Cal keeper Robby Gogatz and Peter O'Neill had his shot saved by Gogatz to keep the match scoreless.
The best opportunity for the Golden Bears came 25 minutes into the second half when Steve Birnbaum was waiting at the back post for a header, but NU keeper Tyler Miller made a diving deflection for the save.
Northwestern continued to remain the aggressors, however, but neither team was able to tally the decisive goal in regulation. The Wildcats posted edges of 10-6 in shots and 7-1 over the first 90 minutes of action.
NU's persistence nearly paid off with just under four minutes left in the first extra session as Layth Masri's rocket from the top of the box sailed just high. Oliver Kupe managed a shot on goal in the frame, but again, neither team was able to dent the scoreboard.
The closest thing to a goal for either squad came two and a half minutes into the second overtime as Scott Lakin's cross into the box resulted in a shot for Kupe that was saved and bobbled by Gogatz. The rebound trickled toward the goal line and Gogatz was able to corral it just in time.
Neither team was able to mount a serious scoring chance the rest of the way as both squads settle for their first draw of the 2011 campaign.
"We really played good soccer at times," Lenahan said. "We defended like warriors when the time called upon it. I'm encouraged after being so discouraged following our season-opener."
Northwestern returns to action at 2 p.m. Monday as it hosts UMKC in a Labor Day contest at Lakeside Field.
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