Sept. 11, 2011
Box Score
Site: College Park, Md. (Field Hockey and Lacrosse Field)
Score: Northwestern 2, No. 8 American 1
Records: NU (4-2, 0-0 Big Ten), American (2-3, 0-0 Patriot League)
Next NU Event: Tuesday, Sept. 13 vs. Ball State Muncie, Ind. 2 p.m.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- For the second time in as many years, Northwestern knocked off a top-10 opponent, this time toppling No. 8 American, 2-1, at the Terrapin Invitational in College Park, Md. Freshman Maddy Carpenter accrued six saves in 10 shots on goal for the second day in a row, helping the 'Cats pull out the upset win.
NU's last win over a team ranked in the top 10 came in September of last season when it downed No. 6 Ohio State, 3-2.
"Great game today for the Wildcats," said head coach Tracey Fuchs. "Kelsey Thompson was spectacular on defense with two defensive saves and Maddy came up big with some huge saves in goal. Everyone contributed to the win."
Northwestern took an early lead Sunday when sophomore Maria Kovalchuk earned her first goal of the season -- and the second of her career -- with a quick strike assisted by Regan Mooney in the 11th minute. American pressed hard after falling behind, but a strong defensive effort capped by a great save by Carpenter thwarted an early Eagles attack.
With 13 minutes remaining in the first stanza, however, American's Kati Rothenhoefer deflected in a hard outside pass from Grace Wilson to even things up at one apiece heading into halftime.
To begin the second half, American registered a back-to-back shots, but Carpenter recorded two quick saves, keeping things tied at 1-1. At the 22 minute mark in the second, a Mooney penalty corner set up leading goal-scorer Chelsea Armstrong who careened it in for her seventh score of the season and a 2-1 NU advantage. The goal gave Mooney her first career two-assist game.
Armstrong's goal was the 53rd of her career at NU, moving her into a tie for second place on Northwestern's all-time list with Amy Kekeisen (1982-85). She also owns sole possession of second place on NU's career points list with 132, just seven shy of tying Sannie Van Dijck for the school record.
Once again, American sent a flurry of shots Carpenter's way, but the freshman goalkeeper and her defense stood firm and foiled the Eagles' barrage. Both teams traded shots down the stretch, but neither was able to capitalize on the opportunities. The Eagles tried one last time to even things up before the horn, but a defensive block with 50 seconds remaining sealed it for the 'Cats.
Next up, the 'Cats will head to Muncie, Ind., to take on Ball State at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
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