Northwestern women lose to Minnesota

EVANSTON, Ill. –- Bo Podkopacz (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) scored her first collegiate goal, but it couldn’t help Northwestern overcome a two-goal deficit as the Wildcats fell to Minnesota, 2-1, Friday night at Lakeside Field. Podkopacz scored in the 79th minute when Sam Greene (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) made a great feed from the far sideline into the box where the freshman got enough of a touch on the ball to drive it home to the near post. Jill Dunn (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) also picked up an assist for starting the play. The Wildcats fell behind early in the match, when Minnesota’s Tamara Strahota scored in the 17th minute. The Golden Gophers added a second goal in the 70th minute from Steph Brandt. “I thought we played hard and played well,” said Northwestern Head Coach Stephanie Erickson. “We did everything but get the result. Our seniors, especially, put forth a tremendous effort tonight. “We’re getting closer to tipping the scale in our favor, and when we do the goals are going to come fast and furious.” Carolyn Edwards (Lincolnshire, Ill./Stevenson) made five saves in the match for the Wildcats. Prior to the match, the six members of Northwestern’s senior class were recognized in an on-field ceremony. The Wildcats will close their 2010 season with a pair of road games, beginning Monday night in Madison, Wis.