Nebraska Wins Conference Opener, 1-0

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln ? The Huskers extended their unbeaten streak to three games with a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Big 12 opener on Friday night at the Nebraska Soccer Field. The win keeps several Nebraska streaks alive. NU (4-2-3, 1-0-0) remains undefeated at home this season and kept the Huskers unbeaten in Big 12 openers all-time with an impressive 12-0 record, outscoring their opponents, 40-5.

 

NU managed only one goal, but the Huskers dominated every facet of the game. Nebraska attempted 21 shots, 12 of which were on goal, while Oklahoma (4-3-2, 0-1-0) only managed four total shots. Nebraska racked up nine corner kicks to the Sooners two.

 

The difference maker came early in the game as sophomore defender Carly Peetz found the back of the net in the fourth minute. Junior midfielder Selenia Iacchelli capitalized on a free kick from 40 yards out and found Peetz for a perfect header. The assist is Iacchelli’s second on the year as she is quickly becoming the Huskers go-to player on set plays. The goal was Peetz's first this season.

 

The Huskers couldn’t quite score the rest of the game, but they applied heavy offensive pressure as they found the post several times in the second half. OU goalkeeper Tara Macdonald, making her third start, was tested early and often as she was forced to make 11 saves in the game. The goal she allowed was the first she had allowed in a start this season. Freshman Jessica Mills had an easy day in net for the Huskers, as she made only two saves.

 

Junior forward Aysha Jamani had five shots, three directed on goal, while Iacchelli, senior Jessie Bruch and freshman Colleen Goetzmann all recorded three shots.

 

Nebraska returns to action on Sunday as it welcomes No. 16 Oklahoma State to the Nebraska Soccer Field at 1 p.m.