DeKALB, Ill. – The University of Akron picked up three Mid-American Conference road points by downing Northern Illinois, 1-0, in windy DeKalb Friday afternoon.

Senior Rachel Phillip’s second half tally was the difference for Akron (5-3-1, 2-0-1 MAC). The Zips produced a fifth straight shutout in the game with senior goalkeeper Jeny Wolbert making four saves. Akron extended its current unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1) and its shutout streak to 496 minutes in the win.  NIU dropped to 1-8-2 and 0-3-0 in MAC play.

The Zips controlled the play throughout the match and led in shots (15-9) and shots on goal (7-4). Phillip fired a game-high six shots – four on frame. Senior Jordan Clark and junior Ashley Hughes each totaled three shots.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game with the wind,” UA coach Chris Pfau said. “The wind prevented us from playing our game, but we defended very well and battled for 90 minutes. Rachel scored a great goal and we got three valuable points on the road.”

Phillip’s second goal of the year set Akron ahead in the 63^rd minute. Sophomore Gillian Gross started the play with a cross from the left side into the box where Senior Jordan Clark headed down to Phillip eight yards out from goal. Phillip lobbed a shot from there over NIU keeper Amy Carr to record the match’s only score.

Wolbert made three first half saves and Phillip and sophomore Maggie Rusnak both produced early chances fired shots on goal in the first 15 minutes of a scoreless first half.

The Zips will face Western Michigan in Kalamazoo on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Zips Notebook: Rachel Phillip’s goal was the 14^th of her Akron career … Jordan Clark’s assist was her second of the season … Akron last kept six straight clean sheets to begin the 2007 season. The Zips also tallied a shutout in the final game of 2006, making that shutout streak seven matches.

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