The NIU women’s soccer team opened MAC conference play with a pair of losses this weekend at Huskies Soccer Field.

Bowling Green State University posted a 3-1 victory on Friday, and the University of Toledo posted a heart-breaking 1-0 overtime victory on Sunday.

NIU thought they beat Toledo in overtime when senior midfielder Angeline Impelido headed in a cross from freshman midfielder Thea Johnson, but a foul resulted in the goal being waved off.

Moments later, Pam Richard of Toledo took possession near midfield, and slipped a pass behind the NIU defense to Kelly Langenbeck. Goalie Carrie Dvorak was forced to come out of the net, and Langenbeck’s shot trickled in for the win.

“It’s a hard way to lose in overtime,” coach Marci Miller said. “We are disappointed in the loss, but by no means are we disappointed in the players, it’s just a tough loss.”

Johnson had her coming out party, and paced the NIU offensive attack. The freshman twice fired shots on the goal that struck the cross bar, and her aggressive offensive play led to numerous scoring opportunities.

“I just wanted to play my hardest, and show I could be here to play Division I soccer,” Johnson said. “Marci told me to play like I belong, and I just brought some intensity out there today.”

Miller is encouraged by the way her team fought, and likes what she sees from her young players.

“Thea has the ability to take the game over when she wants, and she played phenomenal today,” Miller said, “I am encouraged by our freshman players in general, and I’m encouraged by the play of our freshman class.”

The defense, which held Toledo scoreless for 98:16, featured a determined effort from Megan Kolkay.

“This is the MAC, and these are the games that count,” Kolkay said. “My goal today was to be physical and win balls in the air.”

On Friday NIU controlled the pace of play in the first half, but didn’t have an answer for the set corner kick plays of BGSU, which took advantage of their superior size, and headed in all three goals. Julie Trundle, with three assists and Britt Anderson, with two goals, were BGSU’s dynamic duo.

“What is disappointing is that we got scored on by three set plays,” Miller said. “Something we worked on all week was heading, you just can’t give away three goals on corner kicks, but to their credit they are good in the air.”

NIU trimmed the lead to 2-1 in the second half, when junior Elaine Eliadis assisted on a goal by sophomore Karen Enockson. Enockson leads the team in scoring with three goals on the season.