The Northern Michigan University Women’s Soccer team played their final regular season match Sunday, Oct. 26. The Wildcats visited Houghton to take on U.P. rival, The Michigan Technological University (MTU) Huskies. Northern entered this game eager to end their eight-game losing streak. Three first-half goals for the Huskies proved too much for an NMU comeback. MTU handed the ’Cats a 3-1 defeat. NMU ended the year with nine straight losses, finishing with a record of (4-11-2, 1-8-0 GLIAC). The Wildcats failed to make the playoffs, falling three points shy of the postseason mark.
The Wildcat offense struggled throughout the opening half, attempting only one shot before the first 45 minutes were up. In the 20th minute, the Huskies played the ball into the box from the left corner where Tech’s Grace Shaw put the ball ahead, sending it past senior goaltender Emma Vermette to take the 1-0 lead. The relentless attack of the Huskies continued in the 31st minute when MTU’s Marisa DeMario made it a 2-0 contest on a shot beating Vermette inside the right post. Two minutes later, Michigan Tech extended the lead in the 33rd minute off the foot of Michigan Tech’s Leah Goldman. Goldman tapped the ball past a charging Vermette, giving the Huskies a 3-0 advantage. The shot totals in the first half were 18-1 in favor of the Huskies.
In the second half, the Wildcats made it a 3-1 game in the 6oth minute off a goal from sophomore forward Jenna Halonen. The game produced no goals after the Halonen tally. Michigan Tech sent Northern home with a 3-1 loss and their ninth straight defeat. The game’s final shot total was 28-4 with the advantage going to Tech. NMU ends the regular season with four wins for the third consecutive year. Northern failed to qualify for the 2018 GLIAC playoffs.
Despite the losing record senior midfielder Aimee Colla enjoyed the season she shared with her teammates.
“The team is full of so many brilliant players who I am thankful to have had to opportunity to play with for a season. I was happy to be apart of this team,” Colla said.
Freshman midfielder Caroline Halonen led the Wildcats with 24 points on the season. Jenna Halonen was second on the team with 12 points even after an injury-plagued her season.
Seven different freshmen recorded a point this season.
Colla mentioned the squads young talent showed potential for successful Wildcat seasons in the future.
“I am excited to see what this program and team is capable of in the next couple years because I know it will definitely be a team to watch,” Colla said.
