Nov. 6, 2008
Purdue (11-6-3, 5-3-2) began its Big Ten tournament play without their starting forward Loredana Riverso, who was pulled up to compete for the U-20 Canadian National team. Riverso will have the chance to play in the U-20 FIFA World Cup while her Boilermaker teammates vie to become Big Ten Tournament champiuons. The title is in reach for the Boilermakers after a decisive 2-1 victory over sixth-seeded Ohio State (8-9-2, 5-5).
Within a few minutes of the starting whistle, Purdue’s Felicia Schroeder made a seam run that positioned her to redirect the ball into the far corner. The fourth minute goal past Ohio State goalkeeper Laura Robertson, counted as Schroeder’s eighth goal of the season.
Ohio State counter-attacked and tied the match in the 18th minute of regulation. The Buckeyes’ all-Freshman Team forward Paige Maxwell scored on the rebound after teammate’s Alex Burzynski’s attempt was deflected after a cross from the corner. The goal marks Maxwell’s eight goal of the season.
Despite the contentious play from the Buckeyes, Purdue’s offensive line remained unrestrained. Led by first-team All-Big Ten midfielder Lauren Montenegro, the Boilermakers finished with 15 shot opportunities.
After a continuous rally to net it past Robertson, Ohio State’s Courtney Jenkins sought to send the ball up field but inadvertently directed the ball into her team’s own net. The 24th minute own-goal made by Jenkins put Purdue in the lead and the Boilermakers maintained the advantage even with Ohio State’s valiant effort to put the match into overtime.
Purdue advances to the semifinals to play against second-seeded Minnesota (19-2, 8-2) Friday, November 7, 2008 at 1 p.m. n Ohio State finishes the 2008 season with an 8-10-2 record.