The Raiders dropped to 0-4 on the young season after two tough losses in the Pizza Ranch Classic Friday and Saturday nights. 

Northwestern faced Kansas Wesleyan University Friday night and were in a tough battle from the start. The Raiders opened up on fire, earning 4 corners in the first 15 minutes but could not finish on any of the great chances. 

The Coyotes opened up the scoring in the 22nd minute off a set piece but the Raiders bounced back on a set piece of their own in the 29th minute off a punch by the Kansas Wesleyan goalkeeper right to Kadence Cruse who hit home the rebound. The Coyotes snuck another goal in the 39th minute behind goalkeeper Macy Kuehler.

The second half started slow for the Raiders as the Coyotes scored in the 54th minute. The Raiders could not get back on the board until the 86 minute when Maddie Jacob hit home a bouncing ball in the box off a corner kick. Unfortunately it was too little too late as the Raiders fell 4-2.

The second match of the weekend, although a loss as well, was much more impressive against the Trinity Christian College (Ill.) Trolls. The Raiders ended up losing 3-1 after an extremely hard fought and overall, a much better performance than the night before. 

The Raiders held Trinity scoreless in the first half, something that had not happened to the Trolls this season. The Raiders also scored on the Trolls in the 82nd minute. It was the first goal that Trinity had allowed all season.

"Playing two games in two days is never easy," commented head coach Ben Karnish. " Our staff was extremely impressed how we were able to come out the second night of a back to back and compete at a high level. The result did not fall the way we wanted but it was a massive step in the right direction."

The Raiders travel to Baker University on Saturday, September 8 at 5pm.