DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Northwestern women's soccer team began their 2020 fall season in neighboring state, Iowa. Due to Covid-19, the Eagles' season was thrown for a loop as conference games and most other contests were postponed to the spring. To open the season, UNW traveled to Clarke University to take on the Pride.

Northwestern begins this season with 15 returners and 10 freshman. Head coach, Josh Pettit, is starting his 15th season. The 2020 season officially goes down as the 25th year women's soccer has been at Northwestern as a sport.

The game began on a sunny afternoon as the Eagles and Pride took the pitch. Clarke University went up early on a far out shot 12 minutes into the first half. Northwestern would not give up and continued to show grit through the first half of play, only being down 2 goals.

Sophomore goalie, Ellie Fryer (Stewartville, Minn./Stewartville) was able to grab 13 saves for her team as the Pride were able to get consistent shots off.

Being led by senior defender, Taylor Brinkman (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) and junior midfielder, RJ Mullin (Temecula, Calif./Rancho Christian), Northwestern would not give up. The Eagles continued to battle in second half play, but were unable to capitalize on any shots taken.

The final score of Saturday's contest was 5-0.

UNW will compete again on September 15th at Reynolds field as they take on Viterbo University at 5pm.

Stay up to date with everything UNW eagles women's soccer at www.unweagles.com. You can also follow along on Instagram and Twitter at @unwwsoc.