SPRING ARBOR, Mich. -- The Northwestern College women's soccer team battled a non-conference foe for the second straight day, downing the Cougars of St. Francis (Ind.) 2-1, as a late game goal sealed head coach
Shannon Andringa's first-career victory at the helm of the program. The Raiders improve to 1-2-0 on the season, while St. Francis drops to 0-2-1.
"I'm super proud of the girls," stated Andringa. "They've been working hard all spring and summer and are hungry. They had the majority of the possession tonight. We had a tough time breaking through but they got it done. They're getting better each game and we're looking forward to next weekend."
The first half saw a few early chances for the Raiders but no conversions were to be had. A defensive battle continued through the conclusion of the first half with four total shots and deadlocked heading into the break.
St. Francis' Mikayla Smith broke the scoreless tie and converted a goal in the 52nd minute but the Raiders didn't get down. The Raider's attack wouldn't wait long to net the equalizer.
Julie Dunlap (Jr., Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling Catholic) converted an assist from
Maria Lopes (Sr., Altamira - Para, Brazil/Centro Educacional Cristo Salvador) in the 60th minute to draw even with the Cougars. Dunlap would stay involved in the action assisting on a late, 82nd minute goal from
Abby Noonan (So., Carlisle, Iowa/Carlisle).
The Raiders were out shot for the game (11-7) and gave up seven corner kicks to the Cougars but found a way to make the most of their seven chances and keep St. Francis from cashing in on theirs. Solid defense and goalkeeping kept the Cougar attack at bay for the match, only allowing the lone single Cougar goal. The Raider attack resulted in five shots on goal as opposed to seven from the Cougars. Junior
Kaelin Alons (Orange City, Iowa/Unity Christian) recorded five saves on the day and recorded her first win of the season in the net for the Raiders.
Up Next: The Raiders will return home to Orange City, Iowa for their home opener on Sept. 3 as they take on the Clarke Pride at 7:15 p.m. at the Northwestern College Soccer Complex.
