MACOMB, ILL. – Northwestern came out on top against Western Illinois, 3-2 in a wire-to-wire battle at John MacKenzie Alumni Field on Thursday night.
The Wildcats came out of the gates hot as senior Matt Moderwell scored the first goal of the game in the first 28 seconds with the assists Mattias Thomasino and Bardia Kimiavi, to give the 'Cats a very early lead.
"We got off to a dream start with two goals in first 12 minutes but Western Illinois has a lot of fight and grit. We settled in a little better in second half and finally got the go ahead goal. Nice to get 3 goals but need to tighten up the back. All wins are good wins and road wins especially good. We will get ready for Eastern Illinois on Sunday before we head into Big Ten play," Said Head Coach Tim Lenahan.
Following the Moderwell header was a goal from sophomore Richie Bennet who extended the lead, 2-0 in the ninth minute.
Western Illinois responded quickly after, netting in a goal in the 10th minute followed by the equalizer in the 22nd.
The Wildcats played smothering defense, only allowing two shots in the second half. It was senior, Garrett Opperman who scored the game winner in the 86thminute off a penalty kick.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns home to Martin Stadium to take on Eastern Illinois, Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.
The Wildcats came out of the gates hot as senior Matt Moderwell scored the first goal of the game in the first 28 seconds with the assists Mattias Thomasino and Bardia Kimiavi, to give the 'Cats a very early lead.
"We got off to a dream start with two goals in first 12 minutes but Western Illinois has a lot of fight and grit. We settled in a little better in second half and finally got the go ahead goal. Nice to get 3 goals but need to tighten up the back. All wins are good wins and road wins especially good. We will get ready for Eastern Illinois on Sunday before we head into Big Ten play," Said Head Coach Tim Lenahan.
Following the Moderwell header was a goal from sophomore Richie Bennet who extended the lead, 2-0 in the ninth minute.
Western Illinois responded quickly after, netting in a goal in the 10th minute followed by the equalizer in the 22nd.
The Wildcats played smothering defense, only allowing two shots in the second half. It was senior, Garrett Opperman who scored the game winner in the 86thminute off a penalty kick.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns home to Martin Stadium to take on Eastern Illinois, Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.