Oct. 1, 2006
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - No. 19 Purdue (10-2-2, 3-1 Big Ten) beat Michigan State (4-6-1, 0-3 Big Ten) 1-0 on a game-winning goal from Jessica Okoroafo in the 73rd minute. The sophomore's fourth goal of the season was assisted by Jordyn Shaffer.
"Jordyn was one of our key players today," said head coach Rob Klatte. "She created a lot of turnovers at midfield that helped kickstart our attacks."
The match's lone goal was established following Erin Doan's team save of a Parrissa Eyorokon shot, which gave Purdue its fifth and final corner kick. Shaffer's corner kick attempt was headed back towards her direction by a MSU defender; she collected the rebound, then moved along the endline before threading the ball through the six-yard box where it found Okoroafo standing at the far post.
The Old Gold and Black hasn't lost to MSU since 2002 and hasn't dropped a decision at Old College Field since 1999, it's first year in the Big Ten.
"The offense played how it's used to once the second half started," said Klatte. "We found space to play in and received great ball movement. We stayed on the attack and kept the ball on their side of the field for about 30 of the final 45 minutes."
Purdue's defense rebounded from Friday's 2-0 loss at Michigan, limiting the Spartans to nine shots as Lauren Mason came through with four saves, three of which were made in the first 20 minutes. The Boilermakers also cleared five corner kicks, all of which came during the second half.
Mason's shutout was her ninth of the season, tying a Jocelyn Cavalier record from 2002. As a team, Purdue has pitched 10 shutouts this season, tying the program mark that also was set in 2002.
Purdue rifled off 10 shots Sunday, giving them 16 for the weekend series. Okoroafo and Sylvia Forbes each attempted a team-high three shots. MSU goalkeeper Nicole Galas was credited with three stops in a losing effort.
"This was a big win," said Klatte. "It feels good to come back after Friday's loss and stay near the top of a very competitive Big Ten conference."
The Boilermakers reach the midway point of the Big Ten season Friday, playing host to the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-3-2, 3-1). Penn State was upset by Illinois, 3-2, in Champaign Sunday afternoon.