NIU women’s soccer (8-4-4, 2-3-3 MAC) clinched a crucial 2-1 victory against Eastern Michigan University (5-6-4, 1-3-4) in a thrilling Mid-American Conference matchup.
The match began with Eastern Michigan seizing an early advantage as redshirt sophomore midfielder Sophia Baumann found the back of the net, putting the Huskies on their heels. However, NIU demonstrated resilience and rallied behind the efforts of sophomore midfielder Isabel Struble, who netted the equalizer.
The comeback was completed when graduate student midfielder Abby Zipse scored the game-winning goal.
NIU’s offense generated a total of 7 shots throughout the game, with 5 on goal. The Huskies dominated possession in the second half, keeping pressure on Eastern Michigan’s defense.
During the second half, NIU unleashed 5 shots compared to Eastern Michigan’s solitary attempt, with four of NIU’s shots testing the goalkeeper.
Besides Baumann’s goal in the first half, the Huskies did not allow a shot on goal.
Despite not scoring a goal herself, freshman midfielder McKenna Campbell-Turkalj emerged as a standout player, consistently challenging Eastern Michigan’s defense. Her performance included 2 shots on goal and an assist.
NIU’s triumph over Eastern Michigan continues a positive trend in their head-to-head matchups. The Huskies have now secured victories in their last three encounters with the Eagles, improving their overall record against EMU to 8-20-3.
With the win over the Eagles, the Huskies are in eighth place in the MAC standings.
UP NEXT
The Huskies return to action at 3 p.m. CST Thursday to face Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+ and live stats will be found on SIDEARM Stats.
