The Northern Michigan University Women’s Soccer team has had its downs in the past few seasons, including its 4-11-2 record in the 2018 campaign. After a good start at 4-2-2, the Wildcats ended the season on a nine game losing streak, where they were outscored 19-6 in those matchups. NMU went on to finish 1-8 in conference play, which resulted in a last place finish. There is only up from here, and the future is bright for this young team that brings back most of its production.

Jenna and Caroline Halonen combined for 36 of the team’s 63 points last season. With both of them back, it definitely gives this year’s squad something to be excited about. J. Halonen only played in nine of the team’s 17 games, while still scoring five goals and dishing out two assists. C. Halonen was the team’s biggest bright spot in her freshman season, totaling 24 points with nine goals and six assists.

NMU will need to add more pieces to their puzzle in order to become a contender this season in GLIAC. Sophomore Taelor Moore could be the next Wildcat to step up, as she was third on the team with six points last season. Only averaging 1.4 goals per game a year ago, this team will need to answer the questions about its offense.

Junior goaltender Brianna Frontuto will be strength in the net, as she boasted a 85% save percentage in her nine starts in the season prior. Frontuto will bring the experience that will raise this team’s ceiling.
The young contributors are there for this ’Cats team to get over the hump, and that is exactly what Coach Sonia Basma is looking for after two consecutive 4-11-2 seasons.

Coach Basma enters her third season as the head coach for women’s soccer, and hopes that her team can succeed in GLIAC with more experience. NMU will kick off their season in the fall, and it will be determined if they have made the offensive strides necessary to have a successful season.