The Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team returns from a weekend away looking to end a seven-game losing streak at home this weekend against Malone University and Lake Erie College.
The ’Cats are currently 0-7 overall this season and 0-3 in the GLIAC, ranking at last place in the conference.
Freshman forward/midfielder Aimee Colla said the team has been fighting hard in the previous games, making for tough loses.
“The thing that prevented us from winning was our lack of shooting and being able to finish when we had the chance,” Colla said. “Our major strength for our team would be that we always are encouraging each other to work hard whether it is at practice or games.”
NMU lost 3-0 to the Ohio Dominican Panthers 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at Panther Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Freshman Susan D’Isidoro scored the first goal for the Panthers at the 30-minute mark on a break away. During the second half Ohio Dominican scored two goals within a three-minute time span to stay in the lead the remainder of the match.
Junior keeper Alexandra Simmons recorded six saves during the game for the ’Cats, while the Panthers outshot the Wildcats 21-10.
Next NMU fell in overtime to the Walsh University Cavaliers at noon Sunday, Sept. 27 at Milazzo Field.
The first goal was made by NMU freshman defense Sophia Sachs at the 61-minute mark. Walsh responded a minute later with forward senior Kristen Conti tying the score. NMU was defeated at the 101-minute in overtime to Walsh University. The ’Cats held a 3-2 edge over the Cavaliers in corner kicks but were outshot 14-13 overall.
This weekend at home NMU will face the Malone Pioneers at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at the NMU soccer field.
Head coach Matt Grandstand said NMU maintains possession of the ball for majority of the game, and the ’Cats just need to work on finishing.
“It’s an uphill climb for us. We have the talent but need to catch some breaks,” Grandstand said. “If we can get it together for a win this weekend, that’s great. I’m proud of the team in that what we’re going through is very difficult, mentally hard and exhausting. I love the character of this team and we just keep working harder.”
Last season the ’Cats defeated Malone 4-0 Oct. 12 at Pioneer Soccer Field, Malone’s home turf.
Junior midfield forward Paula Hafner scored two goals during the game, bringing her total for the season to eight. Her second goal, at the 51-minute mark, put NMU at a 3-0 lead.
The Wildcats outshot the Pioneers 26-15. Hafner led all the players in shots with a total of seven overall.
In the next match the ’Cats go on to face Lake Erie Storm at noon Sunday, Oct. 5 at the NMU soccer field.
Last season NMU defeated the Storm 4-0 with an 11-5 lead in scoring. Wildcat defense allowed only one shot on the goal the entire game, giving join keeper Caroline Glantz her first shutout.
Sachs said they are a young team but they play with composure; they know how to win the ball and keep the ball.
“I think we want it more. We have had a bunch of close games where it could have went either way,” Sachs said. “Every game we play I see the team put our hearts into it a little more and that is what keeps us strong. Lake Erie has had some tough losses too this season. Our losses just bring us closer together and make us work harder at practice and on the field. “
