MORRIS, Minn. - In their final game of the 2026 season, the University of Northwestern Men's Soccer Team took the pitch against the University of Minnesota-Morris. The Eagles came out strong, scoring twice in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into the break. However, the Cougars responded with three second-half goals to rally for a 3-2 victory over Northwestern.
Through a mostly even first half, Northwestern made the most of its opportunities, scoring twice. Both goals came from sophomore Ayden Snyder (Spring Valley, Calif./Moanalua), who capped off his season with a strong performance.
In the 22nd minute, Josiah Mezey (Monument, Colo./Village) sent a ball up the sideline, leading Levi Harmes (Richfield, Minn./Homeschool) into open space. Harmes then found Snyder as he cut through the box. Snyder collected the pass and lifted a shot over a defender and the goalkeeper to put Northwestern on the board.
As the first half came to a close, Snyder struck again. After receiving a pass from Dutch Broughman (Eagle River, Alaska/Chugiak), he dribbled into space and sent a shot toward goal. The ball took a fortunate deflection off a Cougar defender before finding the back of the net, giving the Eagles a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Morris began its comeback eight minutes into the second half, cutting the deficit to one. The Cougars added goals in the 64th and 72nd minutes to complete the rally and take the 3-2 lead.
Snyder finished with two goals on two shot attempts. Mezey, Max Plaza (New Brighton, Minn./St. Anthony Village), and Matthias Kuker (Vienna, Va./Trinity Academy at Meadow View) recorded the Eagles' other shots on target. Harmes tallied an assist and finished the season as Northwestern's team leader with four assists. Logan Hutzenbiler (Billings, Mont./Billings Central Catholic) recorded four saves in his 90 minutes in goal.
Northwestern closed the season with a 4-15 overall record and a 1-11 mark in UMAC play. The Eagles will now turn their attention to next season, looking to build on the experience and development of their young roster.
