EVANSTON, Ill. — Riley Kelliher tracked down a loose ball and sent it into the box where Ty Seager scored the game-winning goal in the 95th minute to give Northwestern a 2-1 overtime-victory over Valparaiso in the opener.
Northwestern's (1-0) leaned on a strong second-half performance to notch the come-from-behind win. Mac Mazzola scored the #B1GCats first goal of the game to pull the match even in the 55th minute, it was the first of his collegiate career. Kelliher and Mattias Tomasino earned assists on the evening.
Valpariso (0-1) scored its lone goal of the match in the 30th minute to take an early lead.
After trailing 1-0 at the break, Northwestern drew a foul in the 55th minute just outside of the box. M. Tomasino's free kick was perfectly placed for Mazzola, who headed it to the near post and tie the game at 1-1.
After both teams combined for just seven shots in the first half, the intensity picked up in the second half with Northwestern outshooting the Crusaders, 9-8, in the final 45. Northwestern had quality chances all night with nine shots on goal compared to Valpo's two.
In the 95th minute, freshman Tommy Katsiyiannis dribbled into the box and sent a pass across the box that found an empty field. Kelliher out raced the Valpo defender and put a cross that Seager one-touched into the back of the net.
Senior Francisco Tomasino made one save for the Wildcats in the winning effort.
The Wildcats outshot the Crusaders, 14-11, on the evening.
Northwestern will have a quick turnaround as it heads out to Kansas City to play UMKC on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. CT
Northwestern's (1-0) leaned on a strong second-half performance to notch the come-from-behind win. Mac Mazzola scored the #B1GCats first goal of the game to pull the match even in the 55th minute, it was the first of his collegiate career. Kelliher and Mattias Tomasino earned assists on the evening.
Mattias Tomasino meets the media following the #B1GCats win. pic.twitter.com/FjHAg5bbQb
— Northwestern MSoccer (@NUMensSoccer) August 26, 2017
After scoring the game-winning goal @tybo_seags20 spoke with the media. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/pVSlKfPyRV
— Northwestern MSoccer (@NUMensSoccer) August 26, 2017
Valpariso (0-1) scored its lone goal of the match in the 30th minute to take an early lead.
After trailing 1-0 at the break, Northwestern drew a foul in the 55th minute just outside of the box. M. Tomasino's free kick was perfectly placed for Mazzola, who headed it to the near post and tie the game at 1-1.
After both teams combined for just seven shots in the first half, the intensity picked up in the second half with Northwestern outshooting the Crusaders, 9-8, in the final 45. Northwestern had quality chances all night with nine shots on goal compared to Valpo's two.
In the 95th minute, freshman Tommy Katsiyiannis dribbled into the box and sent a pass across the box that found an empty field. Kelliher out raced the Valpo defender and put a cross that Seager one-touched into the back of the net.
Senior Francisco Tomasino made one save for the Wildcats in the winning effort.
The Wildcats outshot the Crusaders, 14-11, on the evening.
Full audio from @Tim_Lenahan's post-game press conference following the #B1GCats come-from-behind win.https://t.co/6rlPnFgtoC
— Northwestern MSoccer (@NUMensSoccer) August 26, 2017
Northwestern will have a quick turnaround as it heads out to Kansas City to play UMKC on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. CT