Oct. 30, 2008

Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Northern Illinois women's soccer team allowed a goal in the fourth minute and couldn't mount a comeback, falling to Western Michigan 2-0, Thursday.

The Huskies fell to 9-5-5 overall, with a 5-4-2 mark in Mid-American Conference play with the loss. WMU moved to 7-10-1, and improved its league standing to 6-4-1.

Northern Illinois went down 1-0 early, as Bronco Stephanie Skowneski make a run down the left side, and struck from 10-yards out for her fifth goal of the season.

"We gave up a very early goal, and we didn't panic," head coach Carrie Barker said. "We still played well, really pushing to get something."

The Huskies continued to fight , outshooting the Broncos 10-8 in the first half, with a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal. But Western Michigan blockaded the NIU offense, and held the Huskies scoreless for the match.

Late in the second, with the Huskies pressing for an equalizer, WMU obtained possession and Alli Jacobs scored on a header to put the Broncos up 2-0 in the 83rd.

"Defensively it was a good game, but we made a couple mistakes and they were able to capitalize," Barker said.

For the match, the Huskies had 13 shots to Western Michigan's 12, and had a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. Northern's chances forced WMU keeper Julia Francy into six saves.

"We'll take what we can from this match, use it as a learning experience and look ahead," Barker said.

The Huskies will start the Mid-American Conference Tournament, Sunday, Nov. 2 on the road.