MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team traveled to Morris, Minnesota for a conference game against the University of Minnesota Morris on Saturday. With the 5-1 win, the Eagles have secured a spot in the conference tournament.
On October 12,
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) tied the Northwestern career goals record of 61 goals set in 2010. In Saturday's match, Mersberger netted her record breaking 62
nd goal. Moments later, she added a cherry on top with her second goal of the day and her 63
rd career goal.
The opening goal came in the 10
th minute off of
Megan Moeller's (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) pass into the 18-yard box, where
Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) chased it down. She forced the goal keeper off her line then crossed the ball in front of the goal to Mersberger, who back-heeled it in for the early lead.
In the 11
th minute, the Eagles were awarded a penalty kick, which was taken by Mersberger. She shot with power, but the ball bounced off the post. Three minutes later, Moeller received a throw-in, turned, and found enough space to deliver a perfect pass to Mersberger. Mersberger only needed one touch to redeem the missed penalty kick and tally her second goal of the day. Morris answered with a goal of their own with only five minutes remaining in the first half. Northwestern went into the break with the 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, the Eagles intercepted the ball around midfield and pushed up the pitch. Moeller flicked the ball to Meehan. Despite having a defender on her hip, Meehan maintained inside position and shot the ball past the goal keeper.
After delivering two great passes earlier in the game, Moeller had a chance to score a goal of her own after a Cougar's free kick was taken away by
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool). Kohrt quickly launched the ball back the same direction it came from. Due to Kohrt's quick reaction, Moeller found space to break away from Morris' back line. She took a couple touches and buried the ball in the back of the net.
With four minutes remaining in the game,
Meghan Corbett (Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) showed off her skill by dribbling at the top of the box, turning with the ball, and taking a powerful shot to finish the game with a score of 5-1.
Moeller led the Eagles with six shots, one goal, and two assists. Mersberger took five shots, scoring twice. Corbett tallied two shots and one goal, while Meehan also took two shots, finishing with one goal and one assist.
Alix Krueger (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake Area) also notched two shots.
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) corralled three saves between the pipes.
Northwestern will be back in action at home for Senior Night, taking on the Martin Luther Knights on Wednesday at 7 PM, following the men's game.
