Great Lakes Wire

The NMU women's soccer team secured a 2-0 victory against the Huskies in Houghton, Michigan. Brooke Pietila scored from a free-kick 40 yards out just before halftime, putting the Wildcats ahead. Caitlyn Trombley and Molly Pistorius combined to assist Justina L'Esperance for her sixth goal of the season. Goalkeeper Sally Patton made four saves, achieving her fifth shutout.

This win extends NMU's unbeaten streak to six games with a record of 5-0-1 during this period, conceding only one goal. The Wildcats have allowed two or more goals only once this season, in a previous loss to St. Cloud.

The Wildcats now hold an 8-1-2 record over their last eleven encounters with the Huskies and are undefeated in their last four matches at Houghton with three wins and one draw.

NMU's current standing is 7-2-2 overall and 5-1-1 in conference play after this crucial win. Key players included Pietila, who has scored five goals this season; L'Esperance leading the team with six goals; Pistorius earning her third assist; and Patton maintaining solid defense.

In the match's early moments, L'Esperance narrowly missed scoring when her shot hit the crossbar. Pietila later capitalized on a free kick opportunity following a foul that resulted in a yellow card for an opponent. The second goal came from a pressing move by Trombley leading to Pistorius assisting L'Esperance.

The Wildcats will next face Ferris State on October 18 before playing against Davenport on Sunday.