Wildcats still in the chase for a GLIAC Tournament home game
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The NMU women’s soccer team played the Parkside Rangers to a 1-1 draw to kick off senior weekend.
The Wildcats (8-3-4, 5-3-3 GLIAC, 4th – 18 pts) extend its unbeaten streak to eight games by securing the point in the conference draw. With the point, NMU moves into 4th place all alone, the final spot for a home playoff game, while also improving to 4-2-2 at home on the campaign.
While the four-game shutout streak was snapped, the ‘Cats maintained their one-point edge in the GLIAC table over the Rangers (7-5-3, 5-4-2 GLIAC, 6th – 17 pts), who remain on the outside looking in for a home playoff spot.
The scoring opened just over the halfway mark, as the Wildcats took advantage of a Parkside turnover. Sole Corley intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Lindsey Ferrara deep in Ranger territory and played a ball to Madison Bilbia, who was streaking down the right wing. Bilbia took a decisive hit, beating the Ranger keeper on the far side and giving the ‘Cats a 1-0 lead.
That lead was short-lived, however, as Lindsay Dahlinger brought her team level just two minutes later. A ball into the box was punched away by keeper Carly Sides, but the deflection landed on the foot of Dahlinger, who collected the ball and finished from in tight.
The Wildcats had their opportunities to regain the lead in the second half, highlighted by clear-cut chances against the run of play from Marena Maceroni and Addison Frantti. A shot just over the crossbar and a full-extension save from Ferrara kept the ‘Cats off the board. The Wildcats thought they had manufactured another great chance, as Corley was brought down in the box late in the second half, and the Wildcat coaching staff issued a challenge. The officiating crew went to replay, but no penalty was given.
Along with goalkeeper Carly Sides, who made three saves on the evening, the back line of Madalyn Nissen, Irene Kiilunen, Riley Hill, Ava Buhlman, and defensive midfielder Sole Corley all played the full 90 minutes. Bilbia (81), Gretchen Ellis (79), Alyse Daavettila (72), and Frantti (70) all logged good shifts, while Izzy Armstrong went down with an injury just 12 minutes in. Marena Maceroni (46) logged the most of the five substitutes used.
Despite being outshot 13-9, NMU matched UWP 4-4 in shots on frame, and both teams were whistled for nine fouls. The Rangers held a 6-1 corner kick advantage, and the Wildcats were whistled for four offsides to none.
The ‘Cats return to the NMU Soccer Field on Sunday, October 24, at 3 p.m. ET to face the Ferris State Bulldogs. The Wildcat seniors will be honored prior to kickoff to celebrate senior weekend.
