Three goals in 30 minutes
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The NMU women’s soccer team had a great start to their senior weekend with a win against Roosevelt ending in a 3-0 shutout for the Wildcats.
All three goals came in the first half, each within a 12-minute frame nearing the end of the first half.
“Being able to finish from service was really good to see, that was something we worked on in practice this week,” commented Jon Sandoval post-match, who now improved to 31-3-7 at home as the head coach of the Wildcats. “I thought we controlled the most of the tempo from the run of play, got to a lot of first and second balls, and a huge positive to get a lot of minutes for a lot of players ahead of Sunday’s match.”
Justina L’Esperance continued her tear, assisting on the game-winning goal before scoring one of her own minutes later near the later stages of the first half.
Kenna Alexander recorded her first career Wildcat goal, the eventual game-winner from a L’Esperance service ball.
Sami Brown also recorded her first career Wildcat tally, as she rounded out the scoring from a well-placed cross from Allison Kroll.
Sally Patton started the match, making the lone save on the evening for the ‘Cats. Senior Sydney Lake came on in the second half, and the ‘Cats earned its seventh clean sheet of the season.
The Wildcats truly dominated play, outshooting the Lakers 31-4 with 15 on target to the Lakers one.
NMU will now look to Sunday, where the team will honor its 13 seniors ahead of the midday match against the Pride.
How It Happened
1st half
The Wildcats started strong, quickly establishing possession. Brooke Pietila took an early shot from a great pass by Molly Pistorius, signaling their offensive intent. At the 17-minute mark, Justina L’Esperance had a powerful shot, but it was saved impressively by Roxana Herrera.
Calihan Bearden then attempted a header, which also drew a solid save from Herrera. L’Esperance contributed again by dishing the ball back in, allowing Kenna Alexander to score with a header in the 25th minute.
Just minutes later, in the 29th minute, L’Esperance found the net with a well-placed header into the low left corner. Sami Brown capped off a strong half with a skilled header off a cross from Allison Kroll, bringing the score to 3-0 at halftime.
Allison Kroll made a powerful run to the outside of the right-hand side of the penalty area. She curled in a
