A freshman has been the one leading the NIU women’s soccer team this season.

Beth Matus scored a last-second goal to tie a game and leads the Huskies in points with nine.

The Rockford native talks about winning streaks, the college game and wristbands.

Northern Star: What were your thoughts on scoring the last-second goal to tie Miami-Ohio?

Beth Matus: I was surprised and in shock. I didn’t even realize there was only one second left when it went in.

NS: What did the team think of breaking the all-time unbeaten streak?

BM: We were really excited about it. Last year, they had a bad year, and we have really bounced back. We have talent and drive, and we are just as good as all the other teams.

NS: What is it like to start on a DI school as a freshman?

BM: It’s awesome. It’s the best feeling ever. I just wanted to play as a freshman and I set a lot of goals this summer and I achieved every one of them.

NS: How is the college game different from high school?

BM: It’s a lot more physical, and you have to think a lot more about it. I just turned 18 in August, so I am playing against a bunch of 21-year-olds, and it’s a big age difference.

NS: How did you wind up here at NIU?

BM: I was recruited by the coaches here. It was between here and Western Illinois, but then I met all the girls and that was the deciding factor; that, and it’s close to Rockford.

NS: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines that you like to do before matches?

BM: No, I don’t have any routines; I just have all these armbands. There are eight of them and sometimes the officials make me take them off.

NS: What do you do when they make you take them off?

BM: I just put them around my ankles.

NS: What do you plan on doing when the soccer season is over?

BM: I’m going to try to catch up on my sleep. I need to get into school more and rest, but we will still practice in the off-season. I am going to really miss it.