ST. PAUL, Minn. – If there was one phrase to describe what the University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team brought back in 2024, it would probably be "offensive firepower." With two of the program's most prolific goal scorers back on campus, one of whom finished second in all of NCAA Division III last season, it would be hard to argue otherwise. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they will have to wait a few more days to harness that firepower, as their 2024 season opener ended in a 5-0 loss on the road at Macalester.
Much of the first half was a good old fashioned St. Paul stalemate, largely due to the play of UNW's
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy). The sophomore goalkeeper made four saves in the games opening 27 minutes to keep the game scoreless. Eventually, the Scots were able to break through, scoring three goals between the 32
nd and 40
th minutes to take a 3-0 lead into the half. Macalester kept its foot on the gas in the second 45, tacking on goals in the 56
th and 59
th minutes before both teams eventually went to their benches for the remainder of the night.
Northwestern was able to tie the Scots in second half shots (5-5), but wasn't able to convert.
Meghan Corbett (Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) and
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) led UNW with two shots on goal apiece, while
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) and
Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron) each added one. Hansen finished the game with a game-high six saves.
The Eagles will be on the road once again Wednesday night when they travel to Central College. Kickoff in Pella, Iowa is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
