Sept. 24, 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue women's soccer team played to a 0-0 draw in its Big Ten opener against the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday at the Varsity Soccer Complex.
"From our point of view we were really happy that our back line held together," Purdue head coach Robert Klatte said. "We held them to only five shots on goal and we felt good about that. We need to increase our number of shots on frame. We did a good job in the back of coming forward, but we need to be more connected in getting into the final third."
Purdue (4-5-2) battled for 110 minutes in a defensive struggle that featured great performances by both teams' defenders and goalkeepers. Wisconsin had the first good scoring opportunity in the 16th minute when its leading scorer Laurie Nosbusch weaved around the Purdue defense for a breakaway opportunity. Nosbusch fired a shot from 14 yards out, but Carianne Betts was there to make a great leg save.
Wisconsin (3-3-3) had another opportunity in the 35th minute. The Badgers were able to cross the ball from the left side toward the right post, but it was played just too far in front a sliding Catie Sessions and rolled out of bounds.
The Boilermakers picked up their offensive attack in the final three minutes of the first half and had a great chance in the 43rd minute. Kellie Phillips sent a corner kick to the front of the goal where several players were waiting. Lauren Montenegro out-jumped her defender and was able to get her head on it, but could not get the ball on target.
Purdue came out in the second half more aggressive than the first. The Boilermakers had a couple crossing opportunities, but each effort was just off the mark. Their next good scoring chance came in the 58th minute. Jordan Frick launched a corner kick to the middle of the box. Once again, Montenegro out-jumped her defender and got a head on the ball, but she sent it just wide of the goal.
Katie Leinert had the best chance of the evening in the 64th minute. The Wildwood, Mo., native worked her way open at the top of the 18 and found a clear lane for a shot. Leinert sent a blast towards the net, but the ball went just high over the crossbar.
The first overtime period was played evenly with most of the possession taking place near midfield. Purdue did have a good scoring opportunity in the 98th minute. Phillips served a corner kick to the front of the net where the Badgers' defensive was packed tightly. Shae Desmond was able to sneak through and attempted to head the ball in the near side, but the pass sailed just over her head and was cleared away by Wisconsin goalkeeper Michele Dalton.
Purdue had one final chance in the second extra session. In the 101st minute, the Boilermakers sent the ball just into the Wisconsin third of the field. Dalton came rushing out to clear it away, but Leinert beat her to the spot. However, the keeper was able to slide and knock the ball away before Leinert could get a foot on it.
Wisconsin outshot Purdue 12-10 including a 5-3 advantage on goal. The Boilermakers held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks including three opportunities in the extra sessions. Betts recorded her first shutout of the season and just the second of her career. Also, Tayler Francel, Jordan Frick and Shae Desmond all played career-high minutes in the game.
The tie moves the all-time series record between Purdue and Wisconsin to 5-5-2. The Boilermakers have not lost to the Badgers since 2004.
The Boilermakers return to action Sunday when they host the Northwestern Wildcats. Kickoff from the Varsity Soccer Complex is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. Live results and a live radio broadcast can be found at purduesports.com. The game is also being televised live on the Big Ten Network.