A game-winning goal in the second overtime by Maria Fayeulle propelled Northwestern to a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Wisconsin in yesterday’s Big Ten semifinal. The senior’s first goal of the season could not have come at a better time, sending the Wildcats not only to their first Big Ten championship game in 20 years, but potentially to a home matchup in the first round of the NCAA tournament as well. Brenna Lovera sent Fayeulle in with a beautiful cross, and she took care of the rest:
The scoring opened in the sixth minute, as Marisa Viggiano moved into a tie for fifth in program history with 15 career assists (and a team-high 7 on the season) by blasting a free kick to the head of Hannah Davison, who put it away into the near post:
Northwestern, who had put up 5 straight shutouts (including their 1-0 quarterfinal win against Purdue) heading into what was their third Big Ten semifinal in three years, had an insane 531 minute scoreless streak snapped midway through the second half by Wisconsin’s Lauren Rice.