MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team opened up their conference schedule on Saturday when they made the short trip to downtown Minneapolis for a matchup with the North Central University Rams. The Eagles were ready for their conference opener and showed up in a big way, defeating NCU 7-0.
The Eagles' offense exploded on Saturday afternoon led by a dynamic duo of goal scorers. One of those goal scorers, freshman
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wisc./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) who would have the best game of her young career, got things started in the 12
th minute. Mersberger scored off of a pass from
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) and the Eagles took an early lead.
Just six minutes later, it was
Mya Chan (Brandon, S.D./Homeschool) who scored her first goal of the season and the assist was credited to
Trae Modaff (Monticello, Minn./Monticello). The Eagles offense had made a statement in the first 20 minutes of the contest and led 2-0.
In the 24
th minute, it was the other dynamic goal scorer alongside Mersberger who would get into the action.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) would score her first goal of the game on a penalty kick. Less than 10 minutes later, the Eagles would earn a second penalty kick and would convert once again. This time it was
Kaylin Dahl (Hanover, Minn./Buffalo) who scored for UNW and the visitors led 4-0.
In the shadow of halftime, the Eagles would add one more goal to their lead.
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wisc./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) would get her second goal of the game, this time assisted by
Mya Chan (Brandon, S.D./Homeschool), and the Eagles led 5-0 going into the locker room.
Mersberger had two goals in the first half, but the freshman wasn't done. She added one more goal in the 61
st minute to notch her first career hat trick.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) would add her second goal of the game in the 75
th minute and the Eagles cruised to a 7-0 victory.
The Eagles put up staggering statistics in the match. UNW had a relentless offensive attack and fired 44 shots in the game, with 29 of them landing on goal. In addition to the offense, the Eagles defense was smothering and only allowed one shot in the contest.
The Eagles will look to continue their hot start to UMAC play when they host Crown College on Thursday, September 22
nd at 5:00 P.M.
