Today’s victory, which moves the Wildcats to 6-5 overall (0-4 B1G), sees Northwestern complete an unblemished home non-conference slate for the first time since 2017, as it finished a perfect 4-0 against non-league foes on its own turf.
How It Happened
Northwestern wasted no time jumping in front, getting on the board with under nine minutes gone. After Tyler Glassberg saw his chance denied by an onrushing Aidan McGonagle, the Trine goalkeeper, Brandon Clagette chested across the line to put Northwestern on top, 1-0.
Clagette made a bid for a brace in the 24th minute, forcing a point-blank save out of McGonagle that kept the visitors within one entering halftime.
Following a touch-and-go start to the second stanza, Northwestern hit the accelerator, scoring three times over the final 32:36 of regulation. Akinjide Awujo started the offensive outburst, tucking a centering pass from Thaddaeus Dewing just inside the post from six yards out to double the advantage, 2-0, in the 58th minute.
With just under a quarter-hour remaining, Dewing was presented with a chance to get his name on the scoresheet. After a Thunder foul inside the 18-yard box saw Northwestern awarded a penalty kick, Dewing made no mistake from the spot, calmly slotting home to up the margin to 3-0.
Italo Addimandi put an exclamation point on the afternoon in the 80th minute, unleashing a screaming left-footed blast from 25 yards out that provided the final 4-0 scoreline.
Looking At The Numbers
– Northwestern’s four goals scored this afternoon marked a season high.
– The four tallies are the most scored in a game by the ‘Cats since a 4-2 win over Ohio State back on September 24, 2023.
– Clagette, Awujo, and Dewing each netted their first goals of 2024.
– 12 different ‘Cats have now scored at least one goal this season.
– Glassberg and Fritz Volmar were credited with assists on Clagette’s opener, while Dewing and Bryant Mayer provided helpers on Awujo’s goal.
– Addimandi’s 80th-minute strike brought his season goal total to two.
– Northwestern finished with a dominant 18-2 advantage in shots, putting eight of its attempts on target.
– Dominic Pereira made his collegiate debut in goal, playing all 90 minutes and recording one save en route to his first career victory.
Up Next
Northwestern resumes Big Ten Conference play at Rutgers on Friday, October 11. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (CT) from Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J.
