Box Score


ST. PAUL – Powered by a second-half scoring run, the Northwestern College women's soccer team overcame an early deficit to earn a 2-1 victory over Crown College on Friday afternoon. NWC notched two goals within five minutes tie and lead the visiting Storm.

Both Crown and Northwestern exchanged early shots but were unable to land the ball within the pipes as a result of strong defensive stops by the backfield play of both schools. Crown took the advantage at the 32:23 point as a deep Samantha Samsa shot got past the Eagle line, putting the home team down 1-0.

After regrouping at halftime, NWC responded with a pair of its own goals as current Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) offensive player of the week Francie Piche (East Grand Forks, Minn./East Grand Forks) evened the score at 1-1. Lauren Cleope (Manila, Philippines/Faith Academy) earned the credit for the assist and just 4:05 later  the duo reversed the roles, as Cleope netted a goal of her own thanks to a Piche pass.

The Purple and Gold held the Storm's offense in check for the remaining minutes and came out on the right end of the 2-1 outcome.

Northwestern (8-8-1, 8-4-1 UMAC) will wrap up the 2012 regular season Saturday as it hosts the University of Minnesota Morris in a rematch of an overtime game that took place on September 28. The Cougars are currently second among conference teams with an 11-2 record.

Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. following the men's contest.