Sept. 19, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In front of a packed house at the Varsity Soccer Complex, the Boilermakers fought their collective heart out for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, one slip up cost Purdue a shot at victory and handed them a 1-0 loss.
The Boilermaker back line kept the team in it all night. Sophomore Jessica Stellhorn consistently delivered nice services for the offense and redshirt junior Sylvia Forbes, junior Katie Seeger and sophomore Liz Secue made several key deflections and takeaways.
Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, the Washington defense was stellar as well. The two teams only managed five combined shots on goal. In what was a closely contested match, the Huskies took advantage of one more opportunity than Purdue did.
In the 87th minute, Washington senior Melissa Beal stumbled through the Boilermaker defense but found enough light to take a shot from five yards out. Purdue goalkeeper Jenny Bradfisch made a diving effort, but could only watch as the ball dribbled into the back of the net.
"It leaves a really bitter taste in your mouth," Coach Rob Klatte said. "Hopefully they accept it and internalize it, so that it doesn't happen again."
Purdue controlled the ball for much of the match, but opportunities to score were sparse. The Boilermakers finished the first half with just three total shots, but came out strong in the second half with quick strikes from senior Felicia Schroeder and junior Loredana Riverso that both sailed wide.
In the 63rd minute, Purdue seemed to have their chance with a flurry of activity in front of the Washington net. Freshman Kellie Phillips delivered a corner kick to redshirt sophomore Katie Becker, who nearly punched it in. A Husky defender swooped in for the team save and the return shot by freshman Lauren Montenegro was blocked.
"I'm not disappointed with the way we played," Coach Rob Klatte said. "I'm just disappointed with the result."
The Boilermakers have their chance to return to the win column on Sunday when they host Colorado College at 1 p.m. It's also Go Green Day at the Varsity Soccer Complex, where Purdue will be wearing commemorative green jerseys to be auctioned off during the match.