ST. PAUL, Minn. – On a steamy evening at Reynolds Field, the University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team took care of business Saturday, defeating the University of Minnesota Morris, 2-1. The win marked UNW's third in a row, all coming against UMAC opponents.
It took a while for the Eagles to get on the board.
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wisc./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) nearly scored in the 23
rd minute, as she sent a rocket off the hands of the Morris goalkeeper. Unfortunately for Northwestern, the ball ricocheted off the top off the post and came back down into the arms of the keeper. Finally, in the 45
th minute,
Meghan Corbett (Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) launched a perfect ball into the box with her left foot, where Mersberger was waiting to head it into the net.
After gaining a little momentum before the half, UNW came out firing after the break. Mersberger picked up her 13
th goal of the season in the 48
th minute after
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) found her with a nice ground ball crosser into the box. Kohrt and Mersberger have formed a lethal connection in UMAC play this season. All five of Kohrt's team-leading assists have been finished off by Mersberger.
While the stat sheet and scoreboard indicated a dominant day for Northwestern, the Cougars were not about to go down without a fight. Although they did not attempt a second half shot until the 65
th minute, they were able to get on the board in the 66
th after an impressive breakaway goal. UMM had close shots on goal in the 81
st and 90
th minutes, but UNW goalkeeper
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) saved the day, making two of her six saves from the evening.
As they've been known to do, the Eagles held a significant advantage in most offensive categories Saturday. They outshot the Cougars 32-9 and 15-7 on goal, holding possession for a majority of the contest. Kohrt, known more for her assisting than her shooting, led he way with 11 shots and three shots on goal, in addition to her assist. Mersberger followed with nine shots, five of which were on goal.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) was active as well, shooting five times, two of which were on goal.
Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron) had two shots, one on goal, while
Elle Bush (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji),
Mya Chan (Brandon, S.D./Homeschool),
Destiny Payan (Richfield, Minn./Richfield) and
Lauren Bosley (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) all pitched in a shot on goal apiece.
Saturday's win kept Northwestern in third place in the UMAC and just one game behind Bethany Lutheran for second place. UNW will take the field next on Tuesday night, where it will welcome Northland College to Reynolds Field for the third and final game of this home stand. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
