ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern began conference play with swagger, opening the scoring in the first five minutes and scoring in the final 30 seconds of the game. The Eagles saw four different goal scorers as they secured the 4-1 victory.
UNW came out firing and scored just five minutes into the game.
Ada Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) chased the ball deep into their attacking corner and delivered a cross to
Marie Kendall (Dakar, Senegal/Dakar Academy), who had space to send the ball into the back of the net. The Eagles had several opportunities in the box throughout the remainder of the half, but were unable to convert. Bethany Lutheran found an equalizer in the 17
th minute on a penalty kick. Despite holding 63% of possession and outshooting the Vikings 10 to one, the score remained deadlocked at one going into the break.
The Eagles took the lead five minutes into the second half. Kendall surged up the sideline, breaking through several defenders before crossing the ball through the box to
Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool). Meehan took a touch and sent the ball to the opposite corner for the second UNW goal. BLC took a free kick in the 72
nd minute that was spoiled by an impressive
Sam Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) save. Continuing to control the game, Northwestern scored again in the 77
th minute when Meehan delivered the cross off a corner kick to the foot of
Britta Holter (Hudson, Wis./Hudson). Holter has now scored in three of the last four games, all via corner kicks. With 30 seconds remaining,
Ada Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) drew and delivered the penalty kick to secure the 4-1 victory
Kendall scored and assisted on two of the Eagles' goals, finishing with 10 shots and five on target.
Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) also scored and assisted with four shots.
Ada Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) and
Britta Holter (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) also scored and secured six and five shots, respectively, each with three shots on target.
Sam Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) held down the goal for the full 90 minutes, collecting two saves.
UNW continues its challenging start to UMAC play on Tuesday, September 22, at UW-Superior at 4:30 PM.
