Despite keeping it close in both matches, Northwestern extends their Big Ten losing streak.
This past week, Northwestern hosted the two Big Ten California schools, UCLA and No. 19 USC, in their first-ever conference games against the Wildcats. Both schools have historic women’s soccer programs with two national championships apiece, and the ‘Cats were underdogs going into both matches.
Although both games were close, low-scoring affairs at 1-0 and 2-1, the Wildcats ended on the wrong side of both – extending their winless streak to nine games, including zero wins from conference play.
While the talent disparity was clear in both games, as it has been in most of their Big Ten games, the Wildcats must find a way to get results to turn around their season.
October 10 vs. UCLA
Coming into a game against an opponent receiving votes in the national poll, without a conference loss and only two years removed from a national championship, the ‘Cats went into their match against UCLA with an extremely defensive mindset.
For much of the first half, Michael Moynihan’s squad parked the bus and kept numbers behind the ball against a superior opponent, and the tactic was working. Although the Wildcats did not register a shot in the first half, they managed to keep UCLA scoreless – until the 40th minute. A costly Northwestern giveaway in the defensive half allowed UCLA forward Maya Evans to create enough space to rip a shot in the top right corner, a fantastic goal for her first of the season.
In the second half, the ‘Cats were forced to abandon their defensive-focused system in order to create an equalizer. The Wildcats generated chances between four shots and three corners in the half to UCLA’s zero in each category but were unable to find a quality chance and put the ball in the back of the net.
The danger of Northwestern’s game plan was that it required a mistake-free game from the back line and defensive midfield, and the giveaway in the 40th minute was enough to hand UCLA a goal and the deserved 1-0 victory.
October 13 vs. USC
After honoring all ten of its seniors before the game, Northwestern got off to a fast start against a USC team ranked in the top 20 nationally, perhaps learning its lesson from the previous game.
In the eighth minute, Northwestern forward Alex Fallon had an incredible strike saved off the post by USC keeper Laurence Gladu. The rebound was also parried, but the Wildcats looked threatening. However, six minutes later after a scramble in the box, USC’s Maria Alagoa put the visitors ahead 1-0.
The ‘Cats responded well, keeping possession for long spells and creating several chances, many from set pieces. One of those set pieces was a curling cross from Caterina Regazzoni off a free kick that found the foot of Emma Phillips, who remarkably scored from the ground and equalized the game in the 53rd minute.
Six minutes later, though, a foul in the Northwestern box handed USC’s Ines Derrien a penalty kick. Despite troubles placing the ball due to the strong wind coming off Lake Michigan, Derrien slotted the ball in the left corner and regained the lead for USC.
The last thirty minutes saw plenty of opportunities for the Wildcats, including several late corner kicks and a controversial no-call in the USC penalty area, but the ‘Cats failed to score and the Trojans prevailed 2-1. In an emotional last home game for many players, Northwestern put up a valiant fight against a national contender but saw its abysmal Big Ten record worsen.