Northwestern earned its first win of the season today after a 1-0 win against the University of Sioux Falls Cougars. It is the second year in a row that the Raiders have started off the season with a loss but bounced back in game two to get back to .500. 

The loan goal came in the first half when the Raiders earned a back to back corner kicks and though they did not finish the first corner, were able to capitalize on the set piece the second time around. Sarah Homan played a long back to the back post in the 6th minute and Madi Bertman came in and placed the ball into the back of the net off of the defender standing on the goal line. 

The Red Raiders found themselves in some good positions throughout the game but were only able to put 3 total shots on frame and were able to get off 5 total. Though the Cougars had 14 shots, only 5 found the frame and Naomi Schimmel was not tested in any of those moments. The Raiders played well defensively and forced shots from outside which made the job easier for Naomi. 

"We were the better team today for most of the match but found ourselves in a tough game towards the end," commented Coach Ben Karnish. "We played really well on the defensive end and took advantage of some early corner kicks that obviously put us in a good spot with the lead early on. The hope is that we can continue to get better in the run of play offensively as games come but we are knocking on the doorstep often."

The Raiders look to increase their win total on Wednesday at Bellevue University at 5:00pm.