Wildcats beat SIUE men

EVANSTON, Ill. - Junior Jack Hillgard's header off a free kick by Mark Blades two minutes and 13 seconds into the first overtime period gave No. 17 Northwestern a 1-0 victory over SIU Edwardsville Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field.

The win extends the Wildcats' unbeaten streak to six matches while raising their season record to 4-1-3. The Cougars fall to 2-5-1.

NU had trouble getting things going in the first half as it headed south into a stiff breeze along the shores of Lake Michigan. SIU Edwardsville outshot the Wildcats 6-3 over the opening 45 minutes of play, but it was the hosts who still had the best scoring opportunities. Piero Bellizzi saw his free kick from 20 yards just miss the upper corner of the net, while Matt Eliason had a bicycle kick barely go wide.

With the wind in their favor in the second stanza, the Wildcats put the pressure on the Cougars. Northwestern had an outstanding chance in the 65th minute. Bellizzi had a shot saved by goalkeeper Scott Meyer, but Kyle Schickel corralled the rebound and fired a blast only to see Meyer made a diving stop to keep the game scoreless.

The 'Cats had a 13-4 edge in shots the second half, but were unable to tally a score as they headed to their fifth overtime in eight matches this season.

It wouldn't take long for Northwestern to send its fans home happy. The Wildcats drew a foul 35 yards out in the right flank to earn a free kick. Blades' service into the box found Hillgard who headed the ball past Meyer for the game-winners.

Drew Kotler made one save while playing the first half in goal before giving way to Jonathan Harris who finished the match and made three stops.

Northwestern returns to action next Sunday as it opens Big Ten play at Ohio State.