Nov. 4, 2007

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

DeKALB, Ill. - Jenna Clausen (Racine, Wisc./Horlick) scored at 20:39 and Lindsey Curnock (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) made the goal stand as Northern Illinois notched a 1-0 victory over Ohio in Sunday's Mid-American Conference Quarterfinal at the Huskie Soccer Field. The victory advances the third-seeded Huskies (10-5-4) into the semifinals to meet second-seeded Toledo Friday at Muncie, Ind. NIU is unbeaten in its last six matches.

Clausen's goal, her first of the season, was an unassisted tally that came on a rebound off a Kelly Mullany (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) shot that was turned aside by Ohio goalkeeper Jess MacLean. The rebound came free when Clausen found the back of the net.

Curnock, who made all four of her saves in the second half, collected her eight shutout of the season, tying the school record set by Julie Bergstrom in 1997. The sophomore netminder extended her NIU career record total to 15.

"This was a huge win for our team," said head coach Marci Miller Jobson. "Lindsey was huge for us and had a fantastic game with some big saves. We got a great goal from Jenna and we are getting different people scoring goals for us. Everyone contributed to this win today and we were sharp from the very beginning in a physical game against a tough team."

The Huskies own a seven-match unbeaten streak, dating back to 2002, against Ohio, who finished the 2007 season 5-11-3.

Northern Illinois' match against Toledo, who defeated Kent State 4-3, will be a rematch of the 2006 MAC Championship won by the Rockets. Earlier this season UT topped NIU 4-1 and have the last five meetings.

Top-seeded Ball State, who edged Miami 1-0, will host the semifinals Friday and the championship match next Sunday in Muncie. The Cardinals will host fourth-seeded Bowling Green, who beat Eastern Michigan 2-1 in overtime, in the other semi.