Facing their second conference opponent of the season, NIU women’s soccer (2-4-2, 0-1-1 MAC) clinched a 1-1 draw on Thursday in a Midwest battle against The University of Toledo Rockets (3-1-3, 0-0-1 MAC).
“Fair play to the group, they came out ready to go,” said NIU women’s soccer head coach Michael O’Neill via NIU Athletics. “We conceded a goal against the run of play off a set piece, which is unfortunate. But for the remainder of the game we were on the front-foot, had some really good chances and put ourselves in good positions, we just didn’t quite get that second goal to win the game.”
With the draw, the Huskies earned their first point in MAC play, after falling 2-0 to the Miami University RedHawks on Sunday.
The Rockets opened up the scoring in the 12th minute when sophomore midfielder Gabrielle Anulare found the back of the net off of an assist from junior defender Carys Bourbeau.
The Huskies responded in the 38th minute, when junior midfielder Isabel Struble assisted junior defender Jordin Kadiri to get the equalizer for the Huskies, her first collegiate goal.
The Huskies outshot the Rockets 7-4 in the first half, entering the half locked 1-1.
NIU had a promising chance early in the second half, until senior forward Kelsi McLaughlin’s shot was stopped by Rockets senior goalkeeper Agnes Stenlund.
The second half saw 4 shots for both sides, with neither team finding the net. The Huskies led the Rockets in shots with 11 – six on goal – 8 – two on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Pearson recorded 1 save while allowing 1 goal in her second career start.
“From my standpoint, if we play like that, and the intensity is where it was today, we’ll put ourselves in position to win games,” O’Neill said via NIU Athletics. “Proud of the group for their response (from the loss to Miami) and hopeful that they can continue to bring that every single day.”
UP NEXT
The Huskies continue MAC play at 7 p.m. Thursday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex taking on the University of Akron Zips. The game will be streamed on NIU All-Access and live stats will be updated on SIDEARM Sports.
