A year ago, Northwestern had a high-flying offense, which led the Big Ten in goals, assists and points.
This season the goals have not come so easily. Although the Wildcats have outshot their opponents 81-70, the Cats are averaging 1.14 goals per game.
“We’re getting our chances,” said junior forward Brad North, who leads NU with four goals. “But we’re not finishing as well as last year. It’s all about making the final play.”
Putting the ball in the net is a point of emphasis for the Cats (4-3-0) as they head into Wednesday’s game against Illinois-Chicago (3-2-1).
NU coach Tim Lenahan said the offensive opportunities are there, but the scorers need to score.
Junior forward Gerardo Alvarez, the Cats’ leading scorer in 2004, continues to suffer from knee pain. Alvarez had 12 goals and nine assists last season.
“Obviously Gerardo had a big hand in 21 of our 52 goals last year,” Lenahan said. “He could be one of the best players in the Big Ten when firing on all cylinders. But he’s a different player right now with the injury. And we’re a different team.
“We’re not going to worry about not having Gerardo at 100 percent. We’re going to worry about winning with Gerardo at 70 percent.”
The Cats continue to adjust to the injuries to Alvarez and junior midfielder Will Nicholas, who is out for the season with a knee injury. The injuries have brought about some changes in the lineup.
Freshman Tyler Voigt made his third career start in the 1-0 loss to Michigan on Sunday.
“We’re still trying to find our groove,” North said. “We’re trying to get (Voigt) into the mix. We just need to make plays and help our defense out.”
The defense had been a question mark before the season started. NU gave up three goals in both of its last two exhibition games against Bradley and Western Kentucky.
But some personnel moves have helped turn things around in the defensive half for the Cats.
“Jaro (Pylypczak) moved to defensive midfield, and he’s been awesome there,” North said. “Our center backs are solid, and Dave Vargas and Sammy (Semwangu) have been great on the right and left.
“But unfortunately one mistake in the back can cost us games if we don’t put goals on the board.”
Lenahan said he was satisfied with the defensive performance Sunday against the Wolverines. He said it’s still early to tell, but defense may be “the team’s niche” this season.
NU held Michigan to only one shot on goal, but the one shot resulted in the lone goal of the game in the loss.
Lenahan said the loss was difficult because the team had played so well, but he said he expects the Cats to bounce back against Illinois-Chicago.
Last season in the match before playing the Flames, NU dropped a 2-1 decision to Ohio State in overtime. The loss to the Buckeyes cost the Cats a chance at second place in the Big Ten standings.
NU responded to the tough defeat to Ohio State by routing Illinois-Chicago 4-1.
Lenahan hopes for the same effort Wednesday.
“We’ve had our hearts broken so many times,” Lenahan said. “I wouldn’t say we’re used to losing, but we’re used to getting off the canvas and responding.”
Reach Scott Duncan at [email protected].
