Aug. 23, 2010
Final Stats
DEKALB, Ill. - In the Northern Ilinois women's soccer regular season home opener, NIU shutout the Creighton Bluejays when a goal from junior forward Kelsey Passaglia lifted the Huskies to a 1-0 victory over the Jays, Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
The Huskies shutdown the Bluejays for the first time since the 2003 season, when Passaglia scored on a penalty kick in the 66th minute of play. Passaglia's goal propelled the Huskies, who held their opponents to a scoreless 90 minutes, to a 1-0 victory to open the season.
"It’s a great start to the season, winning our first game at home against a very strong Creighton program," said head NIU women’s soccer coach Carrie Barker.
Throughout the game, the Huskies dominated play outshooting the Jays 12-6, earning four shots on goal to their one, and claiming an eight to three advantage in cornerkicks.
The Huskie offense took control of the game early, firing five shots, one shot on goal and earning seven cornerkicks through the first half. Entering the second half of play the Huskies did not let up, outshooting Creighton seven to five with three shots on goal.
Passaglia and senior Megan Harry each recorded three shots for NIU, while senior Christen Schuler added two and senior Mo Smunt, sophomores Lauren Eberts and Shelbi Johnson and freshman Shannon Renner each tallied a shot for the Huskies. Passaglia, Smunt, Schuler and Eberts each earned one shot on goal.
The NIU defense was also a force to be reckoned with, allowing just one shot on goal throughout the game. The Huskie backline did not allow any shots on goal or cornerkicks in the opening half, holding their opponents to just three total cornerkicks and one shot on goal. NIU goalkeeper Amy Carr played all 90 minutes in the net, recording one save to help the Huskies to the shutout.
"We were very pleased with the first 45 minutes but lost our way a little in the second half," said Barker. "Overall we are delighted but we know it's a long season and we have much to work on."
NIU will take action on the road next weekend when they head to Iowa City, Iowa to compete in the Iowa Tournament. The Huskies will take on Iowa on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. before facing Northern Iowa on Sunday, Aug. 29, in a 11 a.m. contest. NIU will not return home until Sept. 10, when the Huskies play host to Illinois State
