Women's Soccer | August 12

Saint Charles, MO. - The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team played its second and final exhibition to prepare for the 2023 season as it took on the Lindenwood Lions on Saturday night.   

"We got a lot of minutes in legs; we played some girls for extended minutes in preparation for the start of the season on Thursday. Physically we took a big step today," NIU women's soccer head coach Michael O'Neill said.  

The Huskies played two, 45-minute halves in this game after playing three, 30-minute periods in the Milwaukee exhibition opener.  

"This had more of a game feel to it than the Milwaukee game. We learned a little bit more about ourselves tactically, some things we need to improve and just the game management style of things as well, I think this improved our preparation in all areas," O'Neill said.  

NIU opened up its practices on Tuesday, August 2^nd and has already had two exhibitions to prepare for the start of the regular season.  

O'Neill has seen some strengths from the Huskies that have stood out in the preseason so far.  

"I'm starting to see a team that has some grit and resilience, which is a big attribute of any successful team. Being able to persevere and stand up in those tough moments, I've seen signs of that and I think we have some versatility in how we can play," O'Neill said.  

The Huskies officially open up the regular season Thursday,  as they travel to Macomb to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks. 
 
- NIU –