In its last six games, Northwestern suffered four shutouts. They ended that stretch with only one win.
But if there’s any time for the team to redeem itself, it is now.
NU will face Indiana (5-8, 0-4) at Lakeside Field on Sunday at 1 p.m, in the first of three consecutive home games. The Hoosiers enter the weekend coming off consecutive 1-0 losses to Iowa and Minnesota last weekend.
The Wildcats (6-6-1, 1-3), have focused on defense lately after struggling in that department early in the season. In the first seven games, the Cats’ opponents scored 13 goals. But NU had no problems keeping up, averaging 2.3 goals per game.
As the Cats approach the second half of the season, the defense has improved drastically, allowing one goal per game in the past six. Goalkeeper Carolyn Edwards has stepped up, posting a career-high eight saves against Penn State last weekend.
But now the team has shifted its focus to scoring as it has started to have trouble on offense. The Cats have notched only two goals in their past six games.
Coach Stephanie Erickson said after reviewing game tapes, it is clear the team is attacking well even though it isn’t scoring. The Cats just need to work on finishing, she said.
“We have been spending time layering things and making the offense more dynamic,” Erickson said. “I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. But that’s not the case.”
But last weekend, NU only had three shots on goal in two games.
Senior captain Amanda Hoffman said the Cats have played some of the toughest teams with the toughest defenses the past few weeks. With an easier schedule ahead, Hoffman has high expectations for the rest of the season and is excited to play the next three matches at home.
Erickson said even though the team is struggling on offense – NU has only one goal in four conference games – the Cats are improving.
“Whether we win or we lose, we’re still getting better,” Erickson said. “We need to know that. I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing this week.”
