Men’s soccer: Northwestern’s defense shines in pivotal homestand

The ‘Cats got their revenge on Michigan.

Northwestern has extended its unbeaten run to four games after defending Martin Stadium in two crucial matchups this week.

On Tuesday, the men’s soccer team played a struggling Wisconsin squad to a scoreless draw, holding the Badgers without a shot on goal in the second half. Then, just three days later, the Wildcats beat No. 18 Michigan 1-0 in a Senior Night match filled with storylines.

Friday not only marked the first time Northwestern beat the Wolverines since 2016, but it served as payback for the ‘Cats 2023 Big Ten Tournament defeat. The win also gives head coach Russell Payne his first win against a ranked opponent over his four years in Evanston. Here’s how the Wildcats stayed hot in conference play.

Oct. 15: Northwestern draws Wisconsin 0-0

Defense and goalkeeping stole the show for both sides in Tuesday’s stalemate, with the teams only combining for four shots on net. The Badgers, however, seemed like the aggressors early on, finding two scoring opportunities in the first nine minutes.

In the sixth minute, a foul on Northwestern forward Akinjide Awujo gave Wisconsin a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. After a cross into point-blank range, Badger defenseman Ryan Quintos sent a header toward the net which was deflected over the bar by Northwestern goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de León. In the ninth minute, Ponce de León corralled another save as UW’s Dean Bolt sent a weak attempt to the center of the net.

As the game progressed, Northwestern’s offense became slightly less stagnant despite a lack of true scoring chances. Possession remained mostly in the Wildcats’ favor and finally, in the 32nd minute, defenseman Brandon Clagette sent the team’s first shot of the match just wide of the post.

Just before halftime, the Badgers unleashed their best attack of the match when Birgir Baldvinsson sent a screamer to the top left of the net. However, it was Ponce de León coming up with the play of the game as he lept to deflect the ball with his fingertips.

Wisconsin failed to find another shot on net all night, but Northwestern was ultimately unable to capitalize on their stellar defense. Despite outshooting the Badgers 6-3 in the second half (and picking up seven corner kicks), the ‘Cats failed to find any opportunity to take the lead. Nevertheless, Ponce de León’s shutdown net-minding gave the team a boost going into Friday’s marquee matchup.

Oct. 18: Northwestern defeats Michigan 1-0

On the pitch, the Wolverines have been Northwestern’s kryptonite for 8 years. Yes, it had been 8 YEARS since the ‘Cats bested their Big Ten foe. To make things worse, the Wildcats’ final two games of their storybook 2023 season were —you guessed it — back-to-back losses at the hands of Michigan. Russell Payne’s squad had this one circled on their calendars all offseason, and let’s just say it wasn’t because of Senior Night.

Under a blood-orange moon, the match began with both teams struggling to maintain possession. It seemed the players were running back and forth across the pitch with neither side registering a shot.

In the 22nd minute, the ‘Cats finally broke through when Bryant Mayer sent a cross through a crowd of defenders directly to midfielder Tyler Glassberg who headed in the go-ahead goal.

Mayer’s feed could not have been placed any better as Glassberg converted on the chance and gave Northwestern the lead. Although they were unable to add another goal, from that point on, the Wildcats never took their feet off the gas.

Just two minutes later, Jayvin Van Deventer played a give-and-go with Collin McCamy following a corner kick but had his shot saved by Michigan goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson. The ‘Cats challenged the Wolverine defense again in the 37th minute as forward Thaddeus Dewing lured Goldson away from the net only to see his attempt cleared by a Michigan defender. Lastly, under a minute into the second half, Glassberg had a one-timer opportunity to add to his stat line but was denied by Goldson from point-blank range.

While Northwestern did not have another shot on goal for the remainder of the period, neither did Michigan. In fact, the Wolverines did not register a single shot on goal throughout the entire match. Despite the seemingly small margin of victory, the Wildcat defense clearly dominated this one, lowering their goals-against average to a conference-best 0.71.

Next Up

Northwestern will ride their high into a huge road test this week against No. 5 Ohio State. The Buckeyes boast an impressive 10-1-2 record and have looked like the best team in the Big Ten for most of the season. Thankfully, the ‘Cats will have a week’s rest under their belts before traveling to Columbus on Friday.