NIU women’s soccer (2-12-2) had its chances in both games over the weekend but couldn’t capitalize against Eastern Michigan (2-11-2) or Central Michigan (11-2-3).

On Friday, the Huskies played against the Eagles in DeKalb. Both teams struggled to get a lot of smooth offensive play going given the wind.

“The wind has a huge factor in the game and I thought it spoiled the game today,” said NIU head women’s soccer coach Carrie Barker. “You have two teams who like to possess the ball and with this type of environment, it changes the game completely.”

The first and lone score of the game came from Eastern Michigan’s forward/midfielder Chelsea Detrick, who scored unassisted in the 37th minute of play.

The Huskies tallied one less shot on goals than the Eagles, with Eastern Michigan having a 4-3 edge. The Huskies had 11 overall shots while the Eagles had eight.

Following an off-day, NIU then welcomed the Chippewas to DeKalb.

Central Michigan was coming off its first loss in 10 matches after its Friday contest.

The weather conditions were similar to Friday but the wind was not quite as horrendous.

The game both started off and ended physical, with a few of Central Michigan’s players having to leave the game, and a few Huskies lying on the ground for several minutes.

“It’s up there as one of the most physical games of the season.” Barker said.

NIU had chances to knock in the first goal of the game in the first half. Huskies’ forward Allie McBride took the ball up near the box and passed it off to Samantha Hill, who let loose a shot that deflected off the goalkeeper’s hands but didn’t have enough steam after that to carry into the goal.

“Initially, I was upset about it. It was a good opportunity that Allie handed off to me,” Hill said. “[The goalkeeper] was ready for where it was going. Maybe if I could have put a little more force behind it or cut in and get around her it would have gone in.”

In the 57th minute of the game, the Chippewas put in the lone goal of the game, scored by Estee Outcalt on a slide kick unassisted.

“Unfortunately, we gave away a set piece that cost us the goal,” Barker said. “We had poor clearance and number six for them has a great throw in ability. They try to play for set pieces like that. We just didn’t clear it well enough and it resulted in a goal.”

Central Michigan led in shots 18-7 and in shots on goal by 7-4.

“Central is one of the top programs in the conference,” Barker said. “I think of all the years we’ve been here, it’s the best we’ve ever competed against them. Our players left everything on the field and we played some very good soccer today.”