The NMU women’s soccer team had their first setback of the season and fell out of first place in the GLIAC after a pair of tough losses on the pitch. On Friday, Oct. 8, the Wildcats (6-2-2 GLIAC, 6-4-2 overall) hosted the University of Findlay Oilers (5-4 GLIAC, 5-4-2 overall) and lost a tough match 1-0. Head coach Matt Granstrand knew what to expect coming into the game.
“Findlay’s a good team, I knew it would be a battle,” Granstrand said. “I expected the game to be just like it was; whoever got the goal would win the game and we had our chances.”
After a scoreless first half, Oilers’ midfielder Sara Jones was able to break the tie with a nine yard strike at 52:37. The lone goal of the game was enough for Findlay to hold onto the win. The ’Cats had a scoring chance in the remaining seconds of the game off a header in front of the crowded goal by senior forward Dana Stephens. The Oiler defense was able to make the save and escape with the win.
The game was physical from the opening whistle and left some fans in disbelief over the lack of control demonstrated by the officials. The game continued with a lack of whistles in the second half and got more physical as the minutes rolled on, Granstrand said.
“I thought it was a little beyond physical, but it didn’t cost us the game,” he said. “You got to rise above what you’re given and compete.”
The Oilers held the advantage in shots attempted at 23, to the ’Cats 13. Sophomore goalie Jessica Baker had eight saves for the game.
The second game of the weekend was on Sunday, Oct. 10, when the Wildcats hosted the Tiffin University Dragons (5-3-1 GLIAC, 6-4-1 overall). Northern came out flat in the first half against the Dragons and fell behind 2-0, which ended up being the final score. The ’Cats played a much better second half but were unable to score.
“The first half, we kind of fell apart,” said junior defenseman Aurora Jackson. “Our second half we really pulled it together and kept up well.”
Tiffin broke open the scoreless game at 17:43 with a goal from Lauren Bowyer. To the dismay of the ’Cats, Lauren Turkington found the back of the goal right before half on a penalty kick at 43:12.
“I loved our second half; I was thoroughly disappointed with our first half,” Granstrand said. “In the second half we came to play, but we got to do it the whole game to compete.
The Wildcats made some defensive changes at the half and were able to keep the Dragons off the board during the second period. Tiffin kept up their defensive pressure and was able to hold off a Wildcat comeback.
“Tiffin’s a real good team, they’re well coached and disciplined,” said assistant coach Joe Gillespie. “We knew this was going to be a battle, it was a tough loss.”
Next weekend the Wildcats travel downstate to take on Grand Valley State University (8-1-1 GLIAC, 11-1-1 overall) on Friday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Coach Granstrand understand the level of competition and knows the team his team has to come ready to play.
“Findlay, Tiffin, and Grand Valley is a three game streak of very good teams,” Granstrand said. “We need to play for 90 minutes against these teams or we’re not going to win.”
The Wildcats (6-2-2 GLIAC, 6-4-2 overall) travel to Big Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 17. to take on Ferris State (6-3-1 GLIAC, 6-5-1 overall) at 12 p.m.
