Nov. 15, 2012

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 

WATCH: Game Highlights | Postgame Press Conference

Site: Evanston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Score: Northwestern 1, Western Illinois 0
Records: NU (12-5-4), Western Illinois (7-9-5)
Next NU Event: Sunday, Nov. 18 – 4 p.m. CT – at No. 7 seed Marquette – NCAA Second Round
 
EVANSTON, Ill. -- It took a little over 62 minutes but Northwestern senior Nick Gendron was able to break the deadlock and score the lone goal of the match as the ’Cats took down Western Illinois in the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday night at Lakeside Field. Northwestern dominated the game with 19 shots to seven for the Leathernecks, but stellar goalkeeping by WIU’s Yves Dietrich kept the game close.
 
Northwestern dominated the first half with the 11-0 clip on shots. Freshman Joey Calistri continued to lead the ’Cats attack with four shots, including one that bounced off the left post, and one on goal. Senior Chris Ritter had two of the better chances for Northwestern in the first half with two headers from close range. Western Illinois goalie Yves Dietrich kept the ’Cats off the board with two good saves in the first 45 minutes.

The second half started out much the same as the first with Northwestern controlling possession. The ’Cats continued to create chances on crosses and corners before Gendron scored the game’s only goal. Freshman Henry Herrill got down the left flank before crossing for Gendron who settled and fired home off the post for his second goal of the season.
 
Gendron’s goal would be enough as the Northwestern defense held strong and allowed only one shot on goal.
 
Western Illinois goalie Yves Dietrich was the difference in the match with seven saves. He saved a point blank header from senior Kyle Schickel and a breakaway from freshman Cole Missimo to keep the Leathernecks in the game. The Northwestern defense held strong and sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Miller saved the only shot on goal to post his ninth shutout of the season (18th of his career) and send the ’Cats to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
 
Northwestern will hit the road for its second-round match, traveling across the border to Milwaukee, Wis., to take on seventh-seeded Marquette (16-3-1). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT at Valley Fields.

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