Box Score
ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern women's soccer team sported new uniforms and a new name in its season opener on Friday afternoon, beating the University of Wisconsin-River Falls 1-0 in the first day of the St. Catherine University Wildcat Invitational. For the first time in at least the past six seasons, the Eagles started their campaign on a win courtesy of Kirsten Aderton (Rochester, Minn./Schaeffer Academy)'s goal in the 81st minute of action.
Northwestern posted a big defensive first half, withstanding 17 Falcons' shots. Goalkeeper Emily Johnson (Esko, Minn./Esko) tallied 10 saves during the 45 minute stretch that included many back-to-back attacks by UW-River Falls. With multiple UNW players making their first appearance in a collegiate soccer game the Eagles continued to hold strong, sending both teams to regroup at half with a 0-0 mark on the board.
The second period saw a lot more balanced game, as the Purple and Gold rallied to push 10 shots towards goal while the Falcons countered with 11. Northwestern forced the pressure but was held off until the 81:31 mark when Aderton sent a ball into the net for her first career goal, putting the Eagles up 1-0 as the end of the contest approached.
UNW was able to once again stay firm on defense, fending off two final shots before the buzzer sounded and Northwestern left the field with a 1-0 start to the season. Nine different Eagles tabulated attacks in the 90 minutes play, including eight on goal. Even amidst the 13 shots on goal by its opponent, Johnson and fellow goalie Sarah Stenson (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy) were able to help marshal the back line that totaled 12 saves throughout the matchup.
Northwestern (1-0) will step on the field for another non-conference matchup on Saturday as the team takes on Central College at 4 p.m. in the second and final day of the Wildcat Invitational. Fans unable to make the trip to the St. Catherine campus can follow along with the game via the tournament live stats available here.
