DEKALB, Ill. – Despite a significant advantage in chances and possession, the Northern Illinois University women's soccer team was unable to find a breakthrough as they settled for a 0-0 draw against Lindenwood on Friday evening (Aug. 26) in the home opener at the NIU Soccer Complex. NIU held a 17-2 edge in shots, including 8-0 in shots on target, in the contest. 

"I'm proud of the girls because although we didn't come away with the win, I felt watching that game that it literally needed just one extra bounce, their 'keeper made some fantastic saves," said NIU head coach Michael O'Neill. "(Lindenwood) gave us a great challenge but the girls did exactly what we asked of them and hopefully we will learn, and the forwards will step up and score some goals on Sunday."

NIU forced Lindenwood goalkeeper Sam Blazek into five saves inside the opening 20 minutes of the contest. The first came in the 10th minute as Madison Looby (Saginaw, Mich./Nouvel Catholic Central) got on the end of a cross from the right wing and flashed a header at goal from the edge of the six-yard box, but the Lindenwood goalkeeper made an outstanding reaction save. 

A minute later from a free kick, Lea Gruennagel (Homburg, Germany/Intergrierte Gesamtschule Contwig) fired a shot from about 25 yards that Blazek had to tip over the crossbar. 

Kierah Meier (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) then had a great chance in the 20th minute as a low cross from the left came all the way through the box to the Sycamore, Ill., native on the edge of the six, but Blazek got a hand on the shot from close range as the game remained scoreless.  

In the final minute of the first half, Abby Zipse (Batavia, Ill./Batvaia) was fouled in the box and the Huskies were awarded a penalty kick. Reegan Kingpavong (Rockford, Ill./Guilford) stepped up to take the penalty for NIU, but Blazek made an outstanding, diving save to keep the contest level heading into halftime. 

After the interval, the Huskies continued to be on the front-foot as Abby McHugh (Wauconda, Ill./Wauconda), Looby and Zipse each had looks at goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half. 

Still pushing for a winner, NIU had a great chance in the 80th minute as the Lindenwood goalkeeper came to collect a cross, but the ball bounced away to the feet of Kingpavong who took a shot first time that was heading for goal, only to be cleared away by a defender who positioned herself in front of goal. 

Blazek recorded seven saves in the contest for Lindenwood, Deighton Wamer (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) was not called upon to make a save for NIU as she collected her first collegiate clean sheet.

"As a coach, in terms of what we have set out to achieve, there is lots of momentum (we can take) and some really good things on display," said O'Neill. "I'm taking the positives out of this and know that, on a different day, it could have been a pretty clear victory and hopefully the girls will reset and recharge tomorrow, and we go again on Sunday."

The Huskies will be back in action at home on Sunday, Aug. 28, when they host Southern Indiana. Game time against the Screaming Eagles is set for 1 p.m., and admission to all NIU Soccer home games is free of charge.