COLUMBUS, Ohio – Northwestern had a pair of goals called back Friday night as the Wildcats lost, 1-0, to Ohio State in the 2016 Big Ten opener.
Ben Fitzpatrick scored the game-winning goal in the 51st minute to improve the Buckeyes to 1-4-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the Big Ten, while Northwestern falls to 1-4-0 and 0-1-0 in league play.
"In Big Ten games there is a fine line between winning and losing," said head coach Tim Lenahan. "After absorbing some pressure in the first half, to give up a soft goal early in the second half was tough. We battled and threw everything we had at them in the last five minutes, but it wasn't meant to be. We will lick our wounds and get ready for Wisconsin on Wednesday."
Three of Northwestern's four losses this season have come by one score.
Despite being outshot, 9-1, by Ohio State in the opening 45 minutes, Northwestern had the best chance to break the scoreless tie.
In the 26th minute, off a corner kick, Camden Buescher made a quick pass to Brandon Medina just outside the top, nearside of the box. Medina sent in a beautiful cross that found the head of one of the Wildcats in front of the goal and the ball made its way to the back of the net, but the officials called offsides.
Francisco Tomasino kept the game scoreless in the first half when he knocked away an OSU shot in the 31st minute that was bound for goal. He finished the contest with four saves.
Following Fitzpatrick's goal in the 51st minute, Ohio State committed a foul in the 53rd minute that led to a set piece 25 yards out from the Buckeyes' net. Sam Forsgren played the ball into a scrum of Northwestern players and the ball eventually crossed the goal line, but again, offsides was called negating the goal.
Matt Moderwell and Mike Roberge each had shots later in the period that sailed wide of the net. Roberge finished the game with a team-high three shots, including one on target.
Northwestern launched four shots in the final 20 minutes of play.
The 'Cats will return home on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to host Wisconsin at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.
Ben Fitzpatrick scored the game-winning goal in the 51st minute to improve the Buckeyes to 1-4-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the Big Ten, while Northwestern falls to 1-4-0 and 0-1-0 in league play.
"In Big Ten games there is a fine line between winning and losing," said head coach Tim Lenahan. "After absorbing some pressure in the first half, to give up a soft goal early in the second half was tough. We battled and threw everything we had at them in the last five minutes, but it wasn't meant to be. We will lick our wounds and get ready for Wisconsin on Wednesday."
Three of Northwestern's four losses this season have come by one score.
Despite being outshot, 9-1, by Ohio State in the opening 45 minutes, Northwestern had the best chance to break the scoreless tie.
In the 26th minute, off a corner kick, Camden Buescher made a quick pass to Brandon Medina just outside the top, nearside of the box. Medina sent in a beautiful cross that found the head of one of the Wildcats in front of the goal and the ball made its way to the back of the net, but the officials called offsides.
Francisco Tomasino kept the game scoreless in the first half when he knocked away an OSU shot in the 31st minute that was bound for goal. He finished the contest with four saves.
Following Fitzpatrick's goal in the 51st minute, Ohio State committed a foul in the 53rd minute that led to a set piece 25 yards out from the Buckeyes' net. Sam Forsgren played the ball into a scrum of Northwestern players and the ball eventually crossed the goal line, but again, offsides was called negating the goal.
Matt Moderwell and Mike Roberge each had shots later in the period that sailed wide of the net. Roberge finished the game with a team-high three shots, including one on target.
Northwestern launched four shots in the final 20 minutes of play.
The 'Cats will return home on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to host Wisconsin at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.