Oct. 12, 2008

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

DeKALB - Sophomore Becca Ford scored her fourth goal of the season, leading the Northern Illinois women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Akron, Sunday at the new NIU Soccer/Track and Field Complex.

The Huskies moved to 7-3-4 overall, and improved to 3-2-1 in Mid-American Conference play. The Zips fell to 7-6-0, with a 2-4-0 conference record.

On the goal, Ford (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb) received a pass from Lisa Maier (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) in the box, then stutter-stepped as a defender ran by. Ford then placed the ball near post in the 55th minute for the match's only score. The goal is the first game-winner of Ford's career.

"It was a team effort to create that goal," head coach Carrie Barker said. "When it came down to the very last play, Becca made a great individual effort, taking a player on one-on-one, and then slotting the ball near post."

Though the Huskies outshot the Zips 10-1 in the first half, Barker was more impressed with her team's opportunities in the second period.

"I think we had some great sequences, especially in the second half," she said. "The difference between the first and second was that we made the opportunities in the second half more dangerous."

The Huskies, who are now unbeaten in their last three matches, recorded their seventh shutout of the season, a mark that is tied for third in the NIU records book. Junior goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) was credited with the shutout, moving her career total to 23, the most by any Huskie keeper.

"You've got to be happy when you have a shutout and a win at home," Barker said after the match.

NIU outshot the Zips 17-8, and held a 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Huskies also earned the majority of corner kicks, with eight to Akron's two.

The Huskies return to action, Friday, Oct. 17, when they hit the road to face Buffalo.