The 2002 Northwestern men’s soccer team has proven it is not the same team that went winless for 36 straight matches from 1999 to 2001.
But with zero conference wins in three years, the Wildcats’ progress doesn’t mean a thing to their Big Ten opponents as the Cats enter their season finale against Ohio State (10-6, 2-3 Big Ten) Sunday at Lakeside Field.
“The important thing for us is to gain respect,” NU coach Tim Lenahan said. “I think it’s important to continue to compete against the Big Ten teams. There’s definitely some confidence going into the tournament.”
The Cats (7-9, 0-5) have competed closely with their conference foes this season, losing all but one game by just one goal.
In its most recent matchup, NU fell 1-0 to Wisconsin on a goal scored in the 87th minute. Although it was unable to counterattack successfully, the Cats’ defense held Wisconsin to seven shots on target in what proved to be a defensive stalemate.
Ohio State is coming off a 1-0 overtime loss to Michigan, which beat the Cats 5-0 on Oct. 27. Despite a 2-3 conference record, Lenahan still considers the Buckeyes one of the top Big Ten squads.
“They’re a good team, and what’s funny is that they’ve defended much better than they have in years past,” he said. “(In the Big Ten), it’s Indiana and everybody else. There’s so much parity in the league, but I think they’re one of the better teams in the league right now.”
A predominantly veteran squad, Ohio State has put up numbers very similar to the No. 3 Hoosiers, outshooting opponents 268-132. Of their 132 shots allowed, only 48 have been on target. Led by sophomore goalkeeper Chad Brown’s seven shutouts and .83 goals-against average, the stingy Ohio State defense has allowed 15 goals in 16 games.
Pacing the Buckeyes’ attack are forwards Andy Rosenband and Justin Cook with five goals apiece. Rosenband also has six assists to lead the team. Ohio State has tallied 26 goals on the season and has won seven games by more than one goal.
The Buckeyes’ high-octane offense will certainly put NU’s defense to work on Sunday, but the Cats have proven they can handle the best. One of NU’s finer defensive performances came on Oct. 13, when it held Indiana — No. 1 two weeks ago — to one goal.
With goalkeeper J.D. Martin at the helm, NU’s defense has been solid in the back. Defenders Steve Jedlinksi, Jaro Pylypczak, Brad Napper and Paul Elkins have done an excellent job controlling the momentum. Opponents have averaged 1.3 goals per game.
Martin set an NU single-season record and is tied for the Big Ten lead with seven shutouts. His 79 saves are good for second in the conference.
Sunday’s season finale is also senior day at Lakeside Field, which should provide added incentive for the Cats’ graduating squad of Jedlinski, Elkins, Martin, Dave DeHorn, Justin Lesch and Doug Gibson. All but Martin, who transferred to NU this season, were freshmen when the Cats won their last Big Ten match.
“They’ve started their careers with a Big Ten win, and hopefully they can end their careers with one,” Lenahan said.
With the Cats’ progress this season, an upset is a definite possibility against the Buckeyes.
“If anyone wants to take the day off against us, hopefully we can cause them some problems,” Lenahan said.
