ST. PAUL, Minn.- The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team returned to Reynolds Field on Thursday night to play their conference home opener after winning their first UMAC game of the season against North Central last Saturday. The Eagles hosted the Polars from Crown College and the game ended in a 2-2 draw, putting both teams at 1-0-1 in conference play so far.
Crown came to Reynolds Field ready to compete with the Eagles as they grabbed two goals within the first twenty minutes of play. The Polars, who won their conference opener 4-0 over Minnesota-Morris, had their sights set on staying undefeated in conference play. The Eagles, however, had different ideas.
UNW, who had been getting consistent scoring chances throughout the first half, finally broke through when their two leading scorers got into the action. The first goal came from freshman
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wisc./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah), who continued the fantastic start to her career on Thursday night, scoring her fifth goal of the season.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School), who assisted on Mersberger's goal, got into the action herself scoring her fourth goal of the season right before the half. The Eagles had fought their way back into the game and tied it at two goals apiece going into the second half.
In the second half, stingy defense was the story from both teams. Scoring chances were harder to come by and neither team was able to find the back of the net in the final 45 minutes of play. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
The Eagles had the majority of the scoring chances in the match, outshooting Crown 19-4 (14-4 shots on goal).
Reagan Flaschberger (Shoreview, Minn./Centennial) had two saves in net for the Eagles.
UNW will remain at home when they host Minnesota-Morris on Saturday, September 24
th. The game is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. and is Homecoming Saturday on the UNW campus.
