Thompson stops five shots for Wildcats
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The NMU women’s soccer team closed out its non-conference slate with a hard-fought draw against the fifth-ranked team in the region, the Cedarville Yellow Jackets.
The Wildcats (0-1-3 overall, 0-0 GLIAC) and goalkeeper Jillian Thompson earn their second clean sheet of the season, as Thompson matched her season-high saves with five today. The ‘Cats had their opportunities to score, including a pair of quality chances in a dominant first half; Madison Bilbia got unlucky and hit the post just four minutes in, and Yellow Jacket Anna Taylor made a brilliant save on a Hannah Kastamo screamer that was labeled for the upper ninety.
The Yellow Jackets (2-1-1 overall, 0-0 G-MAC) round out their non-conference schedule today as well, also earning the second shutout of the 2025 campaign. The Wildcats controlled play and handled themselves extraordinarily well today in a matchup against a tough regional opponent who found success against fellow GLIAC foes before today: a 1-0 win against Ferris State, a 2-3 loss to No. 5 Grand Valley (CU held a 2-1 lead at halftime), and a decisive 4-1 win in Houghton against Michigan Tech.
Along with Thompson, Hannah Kastamo, Kenna Alexander, Addison Wargo, Irene Kiilunen, and Ava Buhlman all played the full ninety minutes, with Gretchen Ellis (82), Madison Bilbia (79), and Alyse Daavettila (77) all playing a sizeable role. Bilbia and Kastamo paced all student-athletes in shots, with four and three, respectively. Kastamo led the field in shots on goal with two.
The Wildcats finished the game with 10 shots to seven and seven corner kicks to one, but it was the first half where the ‘Cats really shone. The ‘Cats outshot the ‘Jackets 9-3 in the first, had five corner kicks to none, and possessed the ball 61% of the time. When the Wildcats had possession, 71% of that was spent in the Yellow Jackets half, compared to Cedarville, who had less than half of its possession in the Wildcat end in the first half.
How It Happened
The Wildcats came out of the gates hot, creating the first quality chance just four minutes into the contest. The ‘Cats forced a turnover in the Yellow Jackets’ final third and turned on a quick counterattack. Nissen played a perfect cross to the back post that found an unchecked Bilbia, who got an unlucky bounce, as her strike hit the post.
Kastamo was all over the field for the ‘Cats in the opening 45 minutes and produced one of the more dangerous chances for the Green and Gold. Kastamo made a terrific individual run and delivered a right-footed hit that was labeled for the upper-right corner, but the keeper, Taylor, made an extraordinary save to keep the Wildcats scoreless.
Cedarville was awarded the last chance of the half, as the Yellow Jackets were awarded a free kick just outside the box in the dying seconds. A well-delivered cross saw the ball roll through untouched, safely rolling out for a Wildcat goal kick and the final action of the opening frame.
Northern heavily controlled play in the first half, possessing the ball 61% compared to the Yellow Jackets 31%. When the ‘Cats had possession, they were in the attacking half 71% of the time, and had the most possession in the opponent’s final third (40%).
Northern controlled the offensive flow for a majority of the half, out-shooting Cedarville 9-3 and garnering five corner kick attempts to none.
The Wildcats started the second frame with the same intensity as the first, but it was Thompson who had to come up big down the stretch, starting in the 68th minute. The Yellow Jackets were awarded a free kick just a handful of paces outside of the 18-yard box, the striker made a great hit, but Thompson dove to the post to deny the opportunity.
Thompson then had to make a brilliant save from the run of play with just under ten minutes remaining before clearing a dangerous cross into the box.
The Wildcats had an opportunity to strike with five minutes to play as a cross was played from just inside the box towards the middle, but the keeper, Taylor, came off her line to shut it down.
Up Next
The conference slate begins as the ‘Cats travel to Roosevelt and Parkside next weekend for the beginning of GLIAC matches. Kick-off against the Lakers is set for 2 p.m. ET on Friday, with a 1 p.m. ET kick-off against the Rangers on Sunday.
