NIU women’s soccer (3-0-1) inched past the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies (1-4-1) Sunday with a score of 1-0 to earn its third win in a row.
Sophomore forward Tyra King scored the lone goal in the 59th minute, assisted by junior forward Kelsi McLaughlin and freshman forward Alyssa Stephenson.
“There was just a cross going in from the left side, and Alyssa (Stephenson) headed the ball,” King said. “Then, I saw it coming, so I spun around, and I just followed it with my left foot, and then it just hit the top left corner.”
King’s goal gives her three on the season, tying her team-leading total from last season.
UNMOVABLE OBJECT
The Huskies’ defense was on full display as Oakland could not muster a shot on goal in 90 minutes of play. The Huskies out-shot the Golden Grizzlies 9-4.
“We wanted to get back to the shutout,” said NIU women’s soccer head coach Michael O’Neill. “That’s what we pride ourselves on.”
Graduate student goalkeeper Ary Purifoy earned her second shutout of the season in her third start.
“The more I play, the more comfortable I’m going to get,” Purifoy said. “This isn’t new to me. I’m a D-1 player for a reason, and it’s just going to get better from here.”
FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS
Through four games played, NIU is tied for first place in the MAC in scoring average (2.75) with Kent State University, as well as tied for first place in opponent scoring average (0.50) with the University of Akron. In 2023, the Huskies ranked ninth in scoring average and 11th in opponent scoring average.
“We’ve definitely had a positive start,” O’Neill said. “You know, lots of goals and a couple of shutouts now in four games. So, definitely lots to be proud of and pleased with, but we can’t get complacent.”
UP NEXT
The Huskies return to action at 6 p.m. CST Thursday to face the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
“All I hope is that we prepare the right way,” O’Neill said. “We go there, no regrets, play NIU soccer and see what happens. You know, we’ve got nothing to lose. It’s a David and Goliath matchup in terms of NCAA soccer. So, we’ll definitely enjoy the experience. We’ll work hard, and we’ll see what we can get from it.”
