Oct. 5, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - No. 8 Purdue held off an aggressive and defensive-minded Michigan State Spartan team 2-0 Friday at Old College Field. The win was the Boilermakers' 11th-straight as they improved to 11-1-1 and 3-0 in the Big Ten.
Michigan State's record fell to 5-5-1 and 0-3 in the Big Ten.
Purdue scored both its goals within a span of 3:15 early in the second half after being blanked in the first stanza. The Boilermakers fired off 12 first-half shots - with a few good looks - but had trouble finding their way through a maze of Spartan defenders.
The scoreless half was Purdue's first since the first half of a 3-0 win over Valparaiso on Sept. 12.
Felicia Schroeder scored the match's first goal at the start of the 56th minute. Schroeder received a pass from Jessica Okoroafo from the near side, then shook off a defender inside the six before blasting a diagonal into the left side.
The goal was Schroeder's fourth of the year. For Okoroafo, it was her seventh assist, tying her for the team lead with Shauna Stapleton, who also provided an assist.
Stapleton's assist to Parrissa Eyorokon came less than four minutes after Purdue took the initial lead.
Stapleton pushed the ball forward to Eyorokon inside the 18-yard box and let her teammate do the rest. Eyorokon created a small space after pushing back on a Spartan defender battling for position. Her well-timed shot struck the bottom right corner past a diving Nicole Galas.
Eyorokon is second on the team with six goals, one fewer than leader Loredana Riverso.
Eyorokon started the second half at left back after playing the first 45 minutes at forward. Eyorokon had not been asked to play on the back line since Purdue went down a player vs. Portland. She also subbed in today at defensive midfield, giving Jordyn Shaffer a break from the humid conditions.
The Purdue defense was solid as usual as it posted its fourth-consecutive shutout and ninth of the year. The Spartans were limited to four shots, one of which, a header by Cara Freeman, spun over the top of the crossbar late in the second half.
Jenny Bradfisch made just two saves as she pitched her third complete game shutout. Galas was credited with four saves in the losing effort.
The Boilermakers ripped 19 shots overall and placed seven on frame. Okoroafo led all players with five shots.
Purdue resumes its two-match roadtrip Sunday at Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.