Sept. 13, 2011

Box Score

Box Score

DEKALB, Ill. - With a dominant shooting performance under its belt, the Northern Illinois women's soccer team made a valiant effort for its first win of the season against Eastern Illinois. Posting 24 shots and nine on frame in the 110 minutes of action, the Huskies finished in a 0-0 draw with the Panthers and picked up their first shutout of 2011.

"We had many opportunities to put the game away tonight and we just need to be a little bit more composed in the final third," said Head Coach Carrie Barker. "We need to have a little more composure and concentration to finish those chances."

The Huskies controlled possession of the ball in their half of the pitch for most of the match, evident with their 14 corner kicks to the Panthers two. NIU created many chances off the corner but were unable to convert a goal on the opportunities given. Freshman Allie McBride took a shot off a failed clear attempt that was blocked by an EIU defender at one point in the match.

Senior Kelsey Passaglia was a constant thorn in the Panthers the proverbial paw, totaling seven shots and two on goal in the contest. Passaglia flicked headers and volleys toward the net, that were either saved or sailed wide.

In the opening minutes of overtime, sophomore Kayra Thompson had a chance for the golden goal, rifling a low shot to the left corner of the post, that was deflected to the end line and led to a Huskie corner.

Sophomore goalkeeper Amy Carr picked up her first shutout of the season and the eighth of her career, tying her for No. 3 all-time at NIU with Julie Bergstrom (1997).

The Huskies now improve to 0-5-2, while EIU now holds a 1-5-2 record. Northern Illinois will honor its seniors Sunday, hosting Loyola for senior day. The match will begin at 1 p.m., with pre game festivities beginning roughly 10 minutes before the match.