Sept. 16, 2011

Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern's Chris Ritter scored in the 12th minute, but the UC Davis men's soccer team was unable to overcome the early deficit, dropping a 1-0 decision to the Wildcats on Friday in Evanston, Ill.

UC Davis moves to 2-2-2 on the year while Northwestern improves to 2-3-1.

In the 12th minute of action, the Wildcats were awarded a free kick and, after Lepe Seetane took the kick, a scramble to clear the ball ensued. In the midst of the chaos, Ritter took a shot which found the back of the net to give Northwestern the early lead.

Through the rest of the first half, the Aggies were unable to get a shot on target. Ethan Shawlee's attempt in the 27th minute was saved by Northwestern goalkeeper Tyler Miller while his header with only four minutes left in the half went wide.

Eddie Manella started the second half attack for UC Davis with a shot in the 53rd minute that went over the crossbar while Kevin Schulte's header attempt at the 65:42 mark was also saved by Miller.

The Aggies received back-to-back corner kicks in the 83rd minute, giving UC Davis its closest chance yet. On the second corner kick, Schulte's cross found Dan Reese whose header looked as if it was on its way into the back of the net. Seetane, however, was positioned perfectly on the goalline for the Wildcats and headed the ball out.

Shawlee and Manella led UC Davis with two shots apiece while goalkeeper Omar Zeenni registered four saves.

UC Davis returns to action on Sunday when the Aggies face Northern Illinois at 9:30 a.m. (PT).