One goal in the 78th minute was all it took for NIU women’s soccer to end its seven-game winless streak and secure its first MAC win.

Junior forward Reegan Kingpavong was the hero for the Huskies on Sunday, as her lone goal of the 2023 season lifted NIU over the University of Akron by a final score of 1-0.

A clutch save came from redshirt senior goalkeeper Sadie McGill in the 90th minute of the game, a play that saved the Huskies from tying twice in their last four games.

“It was a top hand save on a shot going into the top corner, that was a pretty special save,” said NIU women’s soccer head coach Michael O’Neill.

McGill had an uneventful day in front of the net besides the late save, saving only two shots in Sunday’s contest.

OUTSHOT AND OUTPLAYED

The Huskies dominated the game on the offensive end, outshooting the Zips 19 to 9. NIU recorded eight shots on goal while Akron amassed only two.

Seven Huskies tallied two or more shots in Sunday’s matchup. Graduate forward Sahara Zingano shot three times, while freshman forward Tyra King recorded two shots, both on goal.

Kingpavong’s lone shot proved to be the only goal of the game, sealing the 1-0 victory for the Huskies.

Junior midfielder Ella Hadley, sophomore forward Emma King, junior forward Laurie-Anne Renaud and freshman midfielder Anna Simmons each recorded one shot for Akron to bring its shot total to four on the game. 

Akron junior goalkeeper Maxima Carlitz tallied seven saves and allowed one goal in the losing effort.

UP NEXT

The Huskies will continue their road trip against Eastern Michigan University at 3 p.m. Thursday in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Live stats will be available via SideArm Stats.