Alexander scores only goal against Parkside
MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University Women’s soccer team celebrated its senior day with an intense matchup against the Parkside Rangers, ending with a storybook 1-0 win.
The Wildcats (5-7-5, 5-6-2 GLIAC) earned a full six points on the weekend after the 5-1 win over Roosevelt and today’s 1-0 win over Parkside, something the Wildcats haven’t done all season before today. Head coach Erin Egolf described the weekend sweep as “huge” for this team moving forward.
“For us to come out and get a positive result on Friday and then follow it up with that performance, it’s really great.”
The first half of the game was scoreless, but intense nonetheless. With temperatures hitting 36 degrees, both teams fought against the cold and howling wind off Lake Superior in this crucial conference matchup. The ‘Cats had its opportunities in the first, including a pair of posts hit, but the Rangers escaped unharmed. Head coach Egolf said the message at halftime was to “keep pushing.”
“We had a great first half… I thought we put them under a lot of pressure and we defended well, and the message was to come out and have that same performance in the second half, and we’ll walk away happy.”
The Wildcats got the lone goal from senior Kenna Alexander, who capped off her Wildcat career with a game-winning goal at home in what could have been the final home match of her career.
“Kenna’s goal was an encapsulation of the entire team’s performance today. It was super gritty and tough, and everyone gave everything they had. I’m really happy for them.”
Along with Alexander scoring the game-winner, the Wildcats got a clean sheet and six saves from senior netminder Jillian Thompson, 84 minutes and three shots with plenty of dangerous opportunities generated from captain Hannah Kastamo, a full ninety-minute performance from captain Addison Wargo, and a solid showing from Olivia Moreno when she featured from the bench. Head coach Egolf says this senior group is leaving behind “a huge legacy” for the program’s future to build off of.
“This group has put a lot of building blocks in place that we want future teams to be able to springboard off of. It’s been great getting to know those kids; they care a lot and have given a lot to this program, and for our team to get this win on senior day is a great ode to them.”
Despite being outshot 18-10 with a 7-4 disadvantage in corner kicks, the Wildcats claimed a crucial three points, inching closer to a potential home game for the first round of the GLIAC postseason.
How It Happened
The Wildcats applied pressure early and got unlucky with back-to-back post hits. Kastamo beat her defender on a run to the far post, and her strike hit the right side of the crossbar. Then, 20 seconds later, Alexander’s header connected with the left post, and the Rangers escaped unscathed.
Alexander had another opportunity to score later in the opening period, as the senior made a smart run behind the Ranger defenders and into the left side of the box. The midfielder received a perfectly played pass and took a hit on the first time with her left foot. The ball curled toward the upper right corner and looked labeled for goal, but a diving Tristen Cross made a miraculous save to keep the ‘Cats off the board.
The first goal of the game came from Alexander. After the ball went off a few heads, and bounced around in the box, Alexander was able to get the ball on the ground and get a good enough strike to beat Cross into the upper corner.
A second goal almost came minutes after the first, as Kastamo stole the ball from a Parkside defender who slipped trying to leave her box. Cross attempted a clear, it deflected off Kastamo, and Bilbia chased down the rebound but was unable to connect before it rolled out of bounds.
Next Up
The Wildcats hit the road for their last regular-season game before entering the postseason. The team faces off Thursday against Purdue Northwest at 1:00 p.m. from Hammond, Indiana.
