The Raider women's soccer (0-0-1) team drew their season opener Tuesday night 1-1 in a tight match with Viterbo University (Wis.) (0-0-1).

Northwestern got off to a hot start putting the pressure on the V-Hawks and keeping the ball in the opponent's half. The high press defense earned the Raiders multiple chances in the first fifteen minutes and were rewarded when Emily Hurley jumped a passing lane and beat two defenders to get to the goal line. She then played a cross to the penalty spot where Molly Ryan got a foot on it to send it back across goal to Nikky Farnsworth who headed the ball past the keeper. The 15th minute goal was Farnsworth's 12 career Red Raider goal and Ryan's first career assist.

The Raiders generated some great buildups in the first half but were not able to finish off any of the quality play as the half ended 1-0 in favor of the Raiders. 

Viterbo came out strong in the second half instantly putting pressure on the Raiders and the V-Hawks flipped the script from the first half and started to dominate possession. Viterbo generated 5 corners in the second half along with 10 shots.

The tying goal came in the 80th minute when Emma Weber hit a diagonal ball to the backside of the Raider goal and Abigail Mumm benefited from some Red Raider miscommunication to slip the ball past keeper Destinee Montenegro. 

Both overtimes leaned in favor of the V-Hawks as they generated five shots in the overtime periods compared to one for the Raiders. 

"That was a tough match to play in for both teams," commented head coach Ben Karnish. "It was hot and muggy and the pace was fast and exciting. Our gals played tough and they were ten minutes away from a really impressive victory to start the season. We saw a lot of great things and know we have some things to work on as well!"

The Raiders take the field against on August 31 as they host Bellevue University (Neb.) (1-0) at 3pm on the NWC Soccer Complex.