EVANSTON, Ill. – The Green Bay men's soccer team opened up the 2024 season on a sour note, dropping their contest to Northwestern 0-2.

Two first-half goals, including one in the opening minutes, made the difference for the Wildcats (1-0).

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Phoenix (0-1) was trying to set up its offense in the third minute against a Northwestern press, and the Wildcats forced an errant pass. Paul Son intercepted the attempt and buried his first goal of the young season, making it 1-0. NU's defense stifled GB's offense in the first half, with only So Nishikawa tallying a shot for the Phoenix. Green Bay briefly applied pressure later on in the 42^nd minute, with Nishikawa passing and cutting up the sideline but was unable to convert on the opportunity. Moments later, after a GB goal kick and throw in, Northwestern took advantage of another Green Bay mistake, intercepting another pass before Joe Suchecki found the top left of the net, extending NU's lead to 2-0 going into halftime.

The second half was much of the same offensively for the Phoenix. Kajus Kontautas had a shot blocked in the 58^th minute, and Andrew Paolucci's shot missed wide in the 77^th minute. Green Bay held Northwestern scoreless in the second frame, but the Wildcats' two first-half goals made the difference in GB's 0-2 loss to NU.

GAME NOTES

• Green Bay was outshot 18-3.
• The Phoenix didn't record a shot on goal.
• Northwestern was aggressive, committing 15 fouls to just six from GB.
• NU had nine corner kicks compared to Green Bay's two.

UP NEXT
Green Bay has a quick turnaround, facing UIC in Chicago on Sunday night at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action in real-time with live stats.

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