5-0 win over Purdue Northwest
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The NMU women’s soccer team delivered an impressive performance on Senior Day, defeating Purdue Northwest 5-0.
In a game characterized by high energy and teamwork, the Wildcats utilized long balls and effective sideline runs to penetrate the defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities and outshooting their opponents 24 to 3.
“We knew that Purdue was having a great year, so we knew that if we came out flat, we were in danger of being behind early,” commented head coach Jon Sandoval, who saw his team score two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the match. “Kudos to the group for being able to recognize that and get the job done.”
The Wildcats honored 13 seniors ahead of today’s match, all of which saw playing time throughout today’s match. Post-game, Sandoval mentioned how special this group is to him and his staff.
“This class was the first full recruiting cycle for me. They came in when we were still rebuilding, and they played a big part in getting us to this point and in building a culture, being the change, and building the belief. Although they’re graduating, the tradition and culture that they’ve set will still be here.”
Three seniors found the scoresheet today, led by Brooke Pietila, who scored two goals and an assist. Sami Brown scored for a consecutive game, and Caitlyn Trombley registered an assist.
Molly Pistorius scored a goal and two assists, Hannah Kastamo registered a goal and assist, and Kenna Alexander rounded out the scoresheet with a helper.
NMU now looks ahead to next weekend, where the team welcomes Parkside for the final regular season home match of the 2024 season.
“The big thing is looking one game ahead, and right now that’s Friday against Parkside. We enjoy playing at home in front of the home fans, and if we can get another win at home, it’ll take a little pressure off from the road.”
How It Happened
1st half
The Wildcats struck first with a beautifully executed play in the 7th minute. Hannah Kastamo initiated the attack by sending a low pass to Molly Pistorius, who was wheeling down the sideline. Pistorius then played a precise ball into the box, finding Brooke Pietila, who was perfectly positioned in front of the net to finish the play and put NMU on the board.
Moments later the Wildcats doubled their lead when Pietila made a brilliant run down the right side. Pietila connected with Kenna Alexander, who sent a well-timed cross into the box. Pistorius was there to meet the ball, heading it in before the Purdue goalie could react.
In another moment of defensive pressure, Purdue’s goalie attempted to clear the ball but misjudged the pass. Caitlyn Trombley capitalized on the mistake, intercepting the pass and quickly taking the ball up the left side. She then found Sami Brown in the box, who volleyed the ball into the back of the net, extending NMU’s lead to 3-0 before halftime.
2nd half
Pistorius made a powerful run down the center of the field, creating space for a through ball to Pietila. With excellent vision, Pietila took a well-placed shot to the lower left corner, rolling it past the Purdue goalie for NMU’s fourth goal.
Kastamo made a move around her defender and pounced on an opportunity for a breakaway. Striking the ball with significant heat, Kastamo fired it past the oncoming goalkeeper, solidifying the scoreline and capping off an exceptional team performance.
Up Next
With only three games left in the regular season, the Wildcats next take the field on November 1st, hosting Parkside at 3 pm in the final regular season home contest.
