In an intra-state match-up, NIU women’s soccer earned their first shutout of the season.

However, the Huskies were shutout as well, 0-0, by Eastern Illinois.

The Huskies (0-5-2) played a solid game, at least according to the stat sheet, against the Panthers (1-5-2).

NIU had many scoring opportunities, posting 13 shots in the first half, in addition to having seven corner kicks.

Overall, NIU put up 24 shots with nine on goal and 13 overall corner kicks.

Huskies’ forward/mid-fielder Kelsey Passaglia had a strong individual showing with seven shots and two on goal.

“We had many opportunities to put the game away tonight and we just need to be a little bit more composed in the final third and we are panicking when we don’t need to,” said NIU women’s head soccer coach Carrie Barker. “Basically we need to have more composure and concentration to finish those chances.”

NIU’s defense limited the Panthers to just seven shots in total, with only two on goal.

This game also marked the return of forward/defensive Samantha Hill, who hasn’t played in the last four games.

“Sammi definitely provides us with a little more of a threat up top and it was great to have her back,” Barker said. “This was her first showing since South Dakota State but we’re still happy to have her back.”

The Huskies had a shot in the opening few minutes of the first overtime frame. NIU defense/mid-fielder Kayra Thompson booted a shot that went to the low left post and deflected away, resulting in a corner kick.

Huskie goalie Amy Carr earned her first shutout of the season and also her eighth career shutout. This places Carr third all-time on the Huskies career shutout list, tied with Julie Bergstrom.

“We got a shutout which is a positive, but it’s a frustrating game because we worked really hard with one of our best games as a team this season,” Barker said. “We still had many opportunities to score a goal. We just need more focus to finish the game.”