Wildcats move past Bulldogs in league standings
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The NMU women’s soccer team successfully defended its home turf, downing the Ferris State Bulldogs 3-0 on Friday.
“It was a great team effort after a terrific week of training,” head coach Jon Sandoval said after today’s victory. “The group did a really good job at taking a hard look in the mirror and realizing our potential and what we can do, and when you have the kind of leadership and a group that believes in those kinds of things, success follows.”
Captain Brooke Pietila, a part of that leadership group, had a goal and an assist in today’s match, surpassing Rachel Vilders (2001-04) to become the program leader in career assists as a Wildcat with 23.
“She’s both sides of the ball for us, and it’s hard to see the stats on the defensive side, so it’s great for her to get that recognition after all of the hard work and dedication that she’s put into this program. She was an incoming freshman my first year as a coach, and to see her evolve as a person and a player has been really remarkable.”
The Wildcats outshot the Bulldogs 17-9 with seven on target to four, produced five corners to the Bulldogs one, and had 54% possession with more than 60% of that being in the attacking zone.
A crucial win, the Wildcats overtake the Bulldogs in the GLIAC standings, and now move to 5-2-2 overall and 3-1-1 in conference play.
Cat Nips
- A milestone evening for Pietila, as she became the program leader in career assists. She now has 11 points in nine games (4-3–11)
- Justina L’Esperance had an outstanding evening, producing a goal and two assists to bring her to 12 points on the season (4-4–12)
- This is her second career game with four points and first career multi-assist game
- Molly Pistorius racked in another tally, giving her three on the year (3-2–8)
- Sally Patton has now gone four straight games without conceding a goal, making four saves to earn her fourth shutout of the season
- Maria Storm was the only field player to record the full 90 minutes of game time on the evening, followed by Hannah Kastamo, Kenna Alexander, and Irene Kiilunen with 84
- The ‘Cats now move to 2-1-0 at home this season and 30-3-7 in the Sandoval era
- NMU now moves to 9-2-4 against the Bulldogs all time and extends its home unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1)
How It Happened
1st half
The Wildcats mounted a swift attack down the left flank just seven minutes into the game. L’Esperance received the ball, expertly navigated the left side, and crossed the ball into the box. Pistorius positioned herself perfectly, timing her run with a powerful finish to sail the ball into the back of the net.
Brooke Pietila lined up for a free kick from just over the attacking side of midfield. With power, Pietila sent the ball soaring toward goal. L’Esperance timed her jump to meet the ball with a decisive header, directing the ball past the Ferris State goalkeeper, and doubling the Cats’ lead.
At the break, the Wildcats outshot the Bulldogs 11-2, with five on target to none, and amassed three corner kicks.
2nd half
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure and L’Esperance seized the moment and threaded a perfectly weighted through ball past the Bulldog defense, setting up Pietila for a clear shot to goal. Pietila quick on her feet made a confident run and struck the ball with precision, sending it past the keeper’s outstretched hand into the right corner of the net.
Up Next
The Wildcats will be home again on October 6, hosting Saginaw Valley State.
