EVANSTON, Ill. – Three different Wildcats scored and Miha Miskovic collected his first career shutout as Northwestern blanked Cleveland State, 3-0, in the 2018 season opener Friday night at Martin Stadium.
Northwestern (1-0) looked to first year Bardia Kimiavi, Garrett Opperman and Camden Buescher for goals Friday evening. It was Kimiavi and Opperman's first goals of their careers, while Buecher netted the fourth of his career.
In just his fifth career start, Miskovic picked up his first clean sheet. The sophomore had help from a clinical performance from the defensive line as Mikovic only had to make one save.
Kimiavi got the scoring going early as the first year took advantage of a loose ball in the box in the fourth minute and finished it off. Jose Del Valle and Sean Lynch were credited with assists.
Northwestern earned a free kick just left of the net in the 44th minute. Buescher sent in a inswinger and Opperman skied to head it home at the far post. The goal sent NU into the locker room with a 2-0 lead.
In the 55th minute, Mattias Tomasino sent a ball down the line to Ty Seger, who found Buescher in the box for the goal and the 3-0 lead.
Northwestern has won three straight season openers and has not dropped a decision in the last five season-opening matches.
This was the first time that three different Wildcat players have scored in a match since NU's win over Western Illinois on Oct. 9, 2017, a game that Buescher scored in. It was the first time NU has opened a season with a shutout win since 2014 when the 'Cats blanked Quinnipiac, 2-0.
Northwestern returns to action Sunday, Aug. 26, at Martin Stadium when the Wildcats take on Xavier at 4 p.m. CT.
Northwestern (1-0) looked to first year Bardia Kimiavi, Garrett Opperman and Camden Buescher for goals Friday evening. It was Kimiavi and Opperman's first goals of their careers, while Buecher netted the fourth of his career.
Head coach Tim Lenahan recaps the #B1GCats 3-0 win over Cleveland State. pic.twitter.com/Qr6NoYCAao
— Northwestern MSoccer (@NUMensSoccer) August 25, 2018
In just his fifth career start, Miskovic picked up his first clean sheet. The sophomore had help from a clinical performance from the defensive line as Mikovic only had to make one save.
Kimiavi got the scoring going early as the first year took advantage of a loose ball in the box in the fourth minute and finished it off. Jose Del Valle and Sean Lynch were credited with assists.
Northwestern earned a free kick just left of the net in the 44th minute. Buescher sent in a inswinger and Opperman skied to head it home at the far post. The goal sent NU into the locker room with a 2-0 lead.
In the 55th minute, Mattias Tomasino sent a ball down the line to Ty Seger, who found Buescher in the box for the goal and the 3-0 lead.
Northwestern has won three straight season openers and has not dropped a decision in the last five season-opening matches.
This was the first time that three different Wildcat players have scored in a match since NU's win over Western Illinois on Oct. 9, 2017, a game that Buescher scored in. It was the first time NU has opened a season with a shutout win since 2014 when the 'Cats blanked Quinnipiac, 2-0.
Northwestern returns to action Sunday, Aug. 26, at Martin Stadium when the Wildcats take on Xavier at 4 p.m. CT.