Sept. 30, 2007
By David Brienza
Purdue sports information student assistant
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Sophomore attacker Loredana Riverso scored twice, and tied a program record for most consecutive matches with a goal, as Purdue rolled over Northwestern 5-0 Sunday at the Varsity Soccer Complex.
The Boilermakers also received scores from Jill Sarbaugh, Jessica Okoroafo and Kalie Grambeau to extend their winning streak to 10 and improve to 10-1-1 (2-0 Big Ten). Purdue's perfect Big Ten weekend was its second in as many years and only the fourth in program history.
Purdue's triumph marked its largest margin of victory over a conference opponent. The previous record of four goals was originally established in 2005 vs. Michigan State (W, 5-1) and duplicated against Wisconsin in 2006 (W, 4-0) and 2007 (W, 4-0).
"By scoring nine goal over these last two games, we've set the bar incredibly high for ourselves," said head coach Rob Klatte. "We were darn good all day. The team stretched out their defense, moved the ball well and received great combination play."
Northwestern dropped to 5-4-2 (0-2 Big Ten) with the loss. The Wildcats have not beat Purdue since 2004.
The Boilermakers went on the offensive early, scoring four goals in the first 21 minutes as they pelted Northwestern goalkeeper Lauren Johnston in the first half with 13 shots.
Purdue outshot Northwestern for the match, 24-11.
Jill Sarbaugh provided the game's first goal in the ninth minute after receiving a cross from Okoroafo. Sarbaugh slammed home a one-timer to the left of Johnston, who attempted a diving stab. The goal was Sarbaugh's second of the season.
The assist was one of two for Okoroafo, who stepped up her offensive production against Wisconsin and Northwestern, totaling two goals and three assists for seven points.
Okoroafo's weekend was only outdone by Riverso, who notched her sixth and seventh goals of the season en route to tying a Purdue record for most consecutive matches with a goal at four. Riverso's accomplishment tied a record already shared by Shauna Stapleton and Jennie Moppert.
Riverso scored eight points against the Badgers and Wildcats on three goals and two assists.
Riverso's first goal of the match came less than three minutes after Sarbaugh's. Riverso tracked down a long ball played down the center of the field by defender Christy Riggle, then fought off a Wildcat defender at the top of the 18-yard box before blasting a shot past Johnston from the top of the six-yard box.
Riverso capped the Boilermakers' scoring run in the 83rd minute, putting back a Sylvia Forbes rebound that Johnston could not retrieve in front of the net.
Riverso's two-goal match was the first of her career and the fourth by a Boilermaker this season, joining Felicia Schroeder, Parrissa Eyorkon and Stapleton.
Okoroafo and Grambeau scored the final goals of the first half in the 15th and 21st minutes. Grambeau's goal was her first since last year's Wisconsin match in the 82nd minute.
The Boilermakers' defense was just as superb as its offense, allowing just 11 shots from a team that scored three against Indiana Friday. NU's Kelsey Hans and Shannon Schneeman - combined 12 goals between them - were limited to two shots, with one on goal.
Jenny Bradfisch was credited with four saves, and Carianne Betts made one, but none was more impressive than Riggle's team save in the 48th minute.
Bradfisch moved off the line to punch away a ball played into the six-yard box. The ball dropped and rolled to the feet of Amanda Hoffman, who ripped a cracking shot that was kicked right back by Riggle, guarding the far post.
The Boilermakers' shutout was their eighth of the season through just 11 games; they have outscored their opponents 33-5.
Purdue finally hits the road next weekend after completing a perfect 7-0 homestand, which started Sept. 12 with a 3-0 win over Valparaiso. The Boilermakers first visit Michigan State Friday for a 4 p.m. kickoff, then move down the road to Ann Arbor for a Sunday 1 p.m. game vs. the Wolverines
Notes
Sunday's crowd of 490 was the second highest attendance of the year behind the draw of 509 vs. Louisville on Sept. 1 ... Loredana Riverso tied a team record for most consecutive matches with a goal at four, matching Shauna Stapleton from earlier this year and Jennie Moppert from Sept. of 2000 ... Purdue has swept the Wisconsin/Northwestern weekend the last three-consecutive seasons, outscoring them 18-2 ... Purdue's five goals tied a team record for most scored against a Big Ten opponent; the Boilermakers scored five against Michigan State (W, 5-1) on this date two years ago ... Purdue's nine goals in one Big Ten weekend established a new program record; the previous high was six, set last year vs. Wisconsin (4-0) and Northwestern (2-1); and in 2005, when it beat MSU (5-1) and Michigan (1-0) ... Jessica Okoroafo scored seven points this weekend on two goals and three assists; she entered Big Ten play with only three points on three assists.