Boilers Secure 14th VictoryBoilers Secure 14th Victory
Chris Lyons/Purdue Athletics

Boilers Secure 14th Victory

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EVANSTON, Ill. – Purdue scored twice in the opening four minutes of the second half to pull away for a 3-1 victory over Northwestern on Sunday.

Jaiden Anderson scored the third and final goal of the match to earn her 17th on the season, setting a new Purdue single-season record for goals.

The Boilermakers improved to 14-2-2 overall and 8-2-1 in Big Ten play, their most wins since the 2021 season. 

Northwestern struck first in the sixth minute, after Miller had already made a save in the opening two minutes of the match. Purdue pressed for an equalizer throughout the opening half, and Miller made three saves to keep the deficit at one.

The Boilermakers drew even late in the half when Cherry Yu scored an unassisted goal with just 48 seconds left in the half, her second of the season, sending the teams into the break tied 1-1.

Purdue wasted little time taking control after halftime. Megan Santa Cruz scored in the 47th minute for her ninth goal of the season, giving the Boilermakers a 2-1 lead. Less than two minutes later, Jaiden Anderson extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 49th minute, finishing a chance assisted by McKenzie Carle for her 17th goal of the season.

The Wildcats looked to cut into the lead in the second half, but Miller turned away a shot in the 51st minute and saved a penalty kick in the 80th minute. Purdue's defense held Northwestern scoreless after the break to secure the victory.

Miller played all 90 minutes and made five saves to earn her third win of the season.

For more on the Purdue soccer team, visit PurdueSports.com/Soccer and follow and connect with the Boilermakers at @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.