North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team concluded its opening GLIAC road trip with a 0-0 draw against Purdue Northwest in Hammond, Indiana.

The Wildcats dominated the first half, outshooting the Pride 5-1, securing seven corners, and hitting the crossbar but failing to score. In the second half, both teams had an equal number of opportunities, with the Wildcats recording three shots compared to four from the Pride and one corner against two. Despite several chances to score late in the game, neither team managed to find the back of the net.

The Wildcats now hold a record of 4-2-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play as they prepare for two important home matches next weekend.

Sally Patton earned her third clean sheet of the season by stopping all three shots on target. Maria Storm and Kenna Alexander played the entire match, while Brooke Pietila and Madison Bilbia also logged significant minutes on the field. The Wildcats have not conceded a goal in their last three matches and have allowed only two goals in their previous six games.

Early in the game, Angelina Perritano had a promising opportunity as she sprinted past a defender and took a shot from just outside the box that hit the crossbar. Shortly after, Pietila's corner kick landed near a Wildcat attacker whose attempt was cleared off the line by a Pride defender.

In another key moment during the second half, Justina L'Esperance received an ideal cross but her deflection was saved by Purdue Northwest's goalkeeper. With just over ten minutes remaining, a free-kick forced another diving save from the Pride's goalkeeper who gave up a rebound that was sent wide. In the final minute, an offsides call nullified what could have been another scoring chance for NMU.

Next up for NMU are home matches against Ferris State on October 3 and Saginaw Valley State on October 6.