PELLA, Iowa - After a disappointing 5-0 loss to Macalester to open the season, the University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team was hoping to put up a better fight on Wednesday night. The test would be a tough one; however, as the Central College Dutch came in with a 2-0 record. The Eagles hung tough throughout, but a late goal for Central lifted the hosts to a 2-1 win at Central.
The Dutch got on the board quickly with a 13th minute goal.
Mya Chan (Brandon, S.D./Homeschool) peppered the net early and often for UNW but wasn't able to slip one past the Central keeper. Finally, in the 43rd minute,
Madeline Hallberg (Princeton, Minn./Princeton) corralled a deflected ball and drilled it into the back of the net for her first career goal. The game remained scoreless for much of the second half, with both teams struggling to get shots off. Eventually, the Dutch were able to take a 2-1 lead with a goal in the 73rd minute. That score would hold as the Eagles weren't able to get a shot on net in the final 17 minutes.
Chan led the offensive charge for Northwestern with four shots and two shots on goal.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) got three shots off while
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) finished with two shots and one on goal.
Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron),
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) and Hallberg each shot once, with Hallberg scoring on her chance. Goalkeeper
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) finished the night with five saves.
The Eagles will again take to the road Saturday when they travel to Hamline University. Kickoff in St. Paul is slated for 1:00 PM.
