Box Score
By: Kalyn Kahler
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Two Wildcats recorded their first goals of the season as Northwestern defeated Michigan State, 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field to improve to 3-1-2 in their last six matches.
Sophomore Maria Grygleski and junior Nandi Mehta both found the back of the net for the Wildcats, but it was the defense that was the story of the day. The `Cats recorded their seventh shutout of the season, and held the Spartans to just six total shots in the game. The `Cats have given up just one goal in the past six games, and have given up just two goals at Lakeside Field this season.
Northwestern spent the majority of the first half chipping away at the Michigan State defense with a number of good scoring chances. The `Cats had nine shots in the first half, while the Spartans had just one.
With just two seconds remaining in the first half, the Wildcats dogged offensive approach finally paid off. Grygleski broke through the Spartan defense and was in perfect position to retrieve the rebound of a Katie Landgrebe shot from distance. The goal was Grygleski's first of the season.
Northwestern continued a relentless offensive attack and added 10 more shots in the second half. The `Cats got back on the scoreboard and locked up their it's third conference win in the 62nd minute when Mehta capitalized on a free kick from just off-center at the edge of the box and scored her first goal of the season.
Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Clem made three saves to record the shutout against a familiar foe. Clem's cousin, Spartan senior goalkeeper Courtney Clem, made six saves in the game for the visitors. The clean sheet was the third in the last four games for the Wildcats rookie, and her seventh of the season.
The Wildcats will wrap up the 2014 regular-season on Friday, Oct. 31 when they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers at 7 p.m. at Lakeside Field. Tickets are available at the entrance to Lakeside Field or by calling 888-GO-PURPLE.
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