EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – Northwestern withstood a late Ohio State rally to secure a 2-1 victory Thursday night at Wrigley Field, with first-half goals from Nick McHenry and second-half insurance from Andrew Johnson proving decisive before 657 spectators.
The Wildcats controlled the opening period through precise possession and intelligent movement. McHenry broke the deadlock in the fortieth minute, finishing expertly after Dyland Onwona-Agyeman's incisive through ball carved open Ohio State's defense. McHenry's clinical strike from the edge of the penalty area gave Northwestern a deserved halftime advantage despite Ohio State goalkeeper's several impressive saves keeping the deficit to one.
Northwestern extended their lead thirteen minutes into the second half when Joe Suchecki delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank. Johnson timed his run perfectly, meeting the delivery with a powerful header that left Ohio State's goalkeeper helpless. At 2-0, the match appeared secure for the Wildcats.
Ohio State refused to surrender. Aaron O'Reilly sparked brief hope in the eighty-third minute, converting Peter Riesz's clever assist to reduce the deficit. The Buckeyes pressed desperately for an equalizer, but Northwestern's defense held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time.
The statistics revealed Northwestern's efficiency—ten shots on target from sixteen attempts, converting twice. Ohio State managed just two shots on frame from ten total efforts, highlighting their offensive struggles. The Wildcats also dominated set pieces with a 7-4 corner kick advantage.
Ohio State's mounting frustration manifested in four yellow cards compared to Northwestern's single caution. The disciplinary disparity reflected the Buckeyes' inability to unlock Northwestern's organized defense.
The victory improves Northwestern to 8-6-3 overall and 3-5-2 in Big Ten play, building crucial momentum. Ohio State falls to 6-10, extending their recent struggles and facing an uphill battle to salvage their season.