Aug. 29, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio - No. 21 Purdue and Cincinnati played to a scoreless double overtime tie Tuesday night at Gettler Field. The tie moved Purdue's overall record to 1-1-1 and the Bearcats' to 1-0-1.
"We certainly had a better performance tonight than on Sunday," said Purdue head coach Rob Klatte. "I'm happy with our work rate, and it was good to see us create opportunities in conditions that did not facilitate good soccer."
It wasn't the wind or weather that was a problem. It was the Gettler Field Astroturf that played extremely fast and caused the ball to take more than a few unusual spins.
Both clubs combined for 40 shots, but only seven were on goal. The biggest save of the night was by the UC crossbar, which knocked back a Jill Sarbaugh bullet with approximately 2:15 left in the second overtime.
Lauren Mason was forced to turn back only two shots, both in the first half, while Bearcat goalkeeper Andrea Kaminski came through with four saves. UC was credited with a team save midway through the second half stopping a Kristin Hetzel boot near post.
The defense rebounded from Sunday's 4-0 loss to San Diego State, showing off a strong physical presence. Early in the first half, the defense pounced on UC's Erin McDonald as she made an approach into the six-yard box, and in the first overtime, suffocated Kate Norton trying to make a turn along the end line.
Occasionally Purdue was too rough, as it picked up two yellow cards and forced two clock stoppages, allowing the UC athletic training staff to tend to their injured players.
Parrissa Eyorokon, a native of Cincinnati suburb West Chester, Ohio, was solid on offense, taking four shots and a team-best two shots on goal. In the first overtime, Eyorokon just missed a header and later had a cross intercepted by Kaminski.
"UC's style of play was very difficult to break down," said Klatte. "They gave us a very competitive match on defense, but if we keep playing in the manner we did tonight then good things will happen."
The offense was without Jessica Okoroafo, who was hurt Sunday, snapping a 22-consecutive-match playing streak.
Prior to tonight the Boilermakers had not played to a 0-0 tie since Sept. 27, 2002 at Ohio State. Purdue's all-time record in extra frames is 4-6-13.
Purdue returns to action this weekend playing host to the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge. The Boilermakers play Texas Tech Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Baylor Sunday at 1 p.m.
"I honestly believe we can recover in time for this weekend's matches," said Klatte, regarding his team's fitness. "We may have some issues at midfield with Jordyn (Shaffer), but we should be able to handle two more games."