DeKALB – NIU women’s soccer (6-1-3, 0-0-2) faced off against the Ohio University Bobcats (5-1-3, 0-0-2), resulting in a 0-0 tie. Despite not scoring, the Huskies recorded 7 shots, all of which were on goal. 

The Bobcats produced 5 shots, 3 on goal. 

“I am just really proud of the effort, the endeavor and not backing down in those moments,” said NIU women’s soccer head coach Michael O’Neill. “We created some chances to win the game. Would I have loved more control? Yeah, and a win? Of course. But we have to also look at the positives and say that, you know, we held firm today.” 

Huskies’ graduate goalkeeper Ary Purifoy recorded 3 saves. Her shutout marks the ninth time Purifoy has held opposing offenses to 1 goal or less and her fourth shutout of the season. 

“I’d give myself 50/50, I think I could have done a little better,” Purifoy said. “It (Purifoy’s success) comes with my experience throughout the years, just leading up to the moment. I work on my technicality every day, I think that also plays a key role.”

Ohio junior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma logged 7 saves on the day. 

Ohio took the first shot of the game in the 21st minute after Purifoy was charged with a penalty inside the goalie box. Bobcat graduate forward Aubrey Rea attempted the penalty kick, narrowly missing and connecting with the bottom left side of the crossbar. 

NIU sophomore midfielder Isabel Struble recorded the Huskies’ first shot in the 35th minute. 

NIU got off to an aggressive start in the second half, recording back-to-back shots on goal in the 48th minute. Despite the effort, the Huskies’ could not reach the back of the net. 

The Huskies’ recorded two more shots over the remainder of the game. 

Despite Ohio striking 2 shots on goal, the scoring plague pursued through the 90th minute for both teams, marking the Huskies’s second 0-0 tie this season. 

UP NEXT

The Huskies’ return home at 1 p.m. CST Thursday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex to face off against Central Michigan University.