Oct. 7, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - No. 8 Purdue (11-1-2, 3-0-1 Big Ten) battled Michigan to a scoreless tie (2-6-3, 0-2-2 Big Ten) Sunday at the UM Soccer Field. The Boilermakers remain winless in Ann Arbor at 0-4-2.
The tie was the Boilermakers' first since Aug. 31 vs. Kentucky and snapped a program-record 11-match winning streak.
The match was extremely even on both sides. Purdue fired 19 shots with six on goal, while Michigan blasted 16 shots with two on goal. Both clubs also were presented with six corner kick opportunities.
The Boilermakers' defensive effort was led by senior center back Kira Bilecky, who made her presence known all over the field. Bilecky played with the aggression of a free saftey in football, running up to block shots (some with her face), heading out corner kicks, and hustling toward the sidelines to keep the ball inbounds.
Unfortunately, for Purdue, Michigan's defense was just as effective inside the attacking third. The clean looks Purdue was accomstomed to seeing during its 11-match winning streak were muddied by the Wolverine defensive backs, who forced the Boilermakers to take a number of attempts from outside.
The handful of times Purdue got inside the Wolverine six, its shots traveled in all directions but straight ahead. Parrissa Eyorokon led the Boilermakers with four shots; Jordyn Shaffer and Jessica Okoroafo each took three.
Jenny Bradfisch was credited with only two saves, but was able to punch out several crosses and ran off the line to make critical stops.
The Wolverines appeared ready to score late in the second overtime when Amanda Bowery connected with Katie Miller at the top of the 18-yard box, but Bradfisch made a quick dash and smothered the ball before a shot could be taken.
Senior Jordyn Shaffer also made a key defensive play, heading out a Wolverine corner with less than two minutes left in the second overtime.
Purdue outshot Michigan 8-3 in a scoreless first half and placed three shots on goal. The Boilermakers held a 2-1 shot advantage in overtime.
Wolverine goalkeeper Madison Gates made six saves.
Purdue returns home to the Varsity Soccer Complex next weekend for home matches vs. Iowa Friday at 4 p.m. and Minnesota Sunday at 1 p.m. Both conference contests will be broadcast live over the world wide web at purduesports.com.