DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team finished the exhibition portion of its schedule with a 3-0 setback against Chicago State on Sunday afternoon at the NIU Soccer Complex. 

"It is clear that we still need to find our starting crew," said NIU head coach Julie Colhoff. "What we saw today is that every position is still open to be won, I think that is the biggest thing going into this week of practice. For our players, they should be coming out to practice every day this week ready to battle."

The Cougars took the lead in the eighth minute on a goal off a corner kick, headed home from inside the six-yard box. Chicago State doubled its advantage in the 39th minute as the Cougars took a 2-0 lead into halftime. 

NIU enjoyed an edge in possession in the contest with 54 percent of the ball and earned six corner kicks to just four by Chicago State, but the Huskies were unable to take advantage of either of those numbers. Chicago State added a third goal in the 80th minute to close the scoring. Sophomore goalkeeper Julia Lentz (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) made five saves in the contest. 

The Huskies will open the 2019 regular season next Sunday, August 25, when they travel to Milwaukee. Kickoff against the Panthers is scheduled for 7 p.m.