NIU women’s soccer (1-9-2) loss to Akron (5-4-1) and Ohio (6-6-0), 1-0 and 2-1, respectively at home.

On Friday, the Huskies could not take advantage of having the whirling wind at their backs against Akron, as they put together a string of solid scoring chances but failed to capitalize.

“When you have that massive of a wind, it’s a big factor for both teams,” said Carrie Barker, NIU head women’s soccer coach. “I thought we played very well with the conditions, both with the wind and against the wind.”

NIU goalkeeper Amy Carr made a huge save in the 37th minute when Akron had a free kick opportunity. The Zips quickly passed the ball instead of shooting, creating a wide open chance, which Carr deflected with her foot.

In the second half, Akron put up the lone score of the game in the 62nd minute, scored by Rachel Phillip, assisted by Jordan Clark.

The goal was lobbed softly over the head of Carr and bounced into the back of the net.

“It was an odd play,” Barker said. “Both teams are going to get opportunities. Akron just finished theirs.”

Phillip posted six shots in the game, with four on goal, as many as NIU had in the game.

NIU’s Shelbi Johnson put up two shots on goal, as well as attempting to lead the team vocally over the wind.

“Being in the back, you see everything,” Johnson said. “In the back you have to be a vocal leader, and I’m kind of naturally loud, so it works well.”

Following a one day respite, NIU took on Ohio.

The Bobcats tallied the first goal of the contest, scored by Toye Famodu, with an assist from Paige Howard.

In the second half, the Huskies evened the score, netting a goal in the 59th minute, scored by sophomore forward/defender Samantha Hill.

“It felt really good,” Hill said. “Lately, we’ve been having trouble being aggressive in the offense. Today I think we all just picked it up in the second half with more attacking.”

Ohio put up its second and game-winning goal in the 60th minute, scored by Erin Schwenke.

In the 72nd minute, NIU freshman forward Allie McBride took a long shot at the goal, but the ball went off the far post and deflected away from the goal.

“I thought it was going in,” McBride said. “At the time you can’t get down on yourself. I would have loved for that to go in because it would have been a game changer.”