VALPARAISO, Ind. - The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team (1-1) fell 1-0 to the Valparaiso Beacons (2-0) on Sunday (Aug. 20) by a score of 1-0.
"Both teams had some really good chances, a couple of big saves at either end. We were definitely a threat going forward as were they," head coach Michael O'Neill said.
Both teams had many great scoring opportunities with 11 shots on goal combined. Six of those 11 shots were by the Huskies and five for Valparaiso. There were also nine offsides called in the game with a few coming deep in the attacking zone. Seven of those offsides came in the first half.
"It was a back-and-forth game, especially in the first half. In the second half we made a couple of small adjustments and started to control the game a bit more. There were more attacks and possession to build from. (We) lacked a little bit of quality in the final third and made some rash decisions," O'Neill said.
Valparaiso picked up three yellow cards, while NIU was able to stay out of the referee's book on Sunday.
Amber Best led NIU with four shot attempts, with one on goal, while Huskie goalkeeper Sadie McGill made four saves.
The Beacons scored the game's lone goal in the 61st minute with a header off of a corner kick. Allie Anderson took the corner for the hosts and Nicole Norfolk headed home the goal. McGill got her hands on the header but was unable to keep it out of the back of the net.
In the final 30 minutes NIU earned a few chances close to the net but were unable to get one past Valparaiso goalkeeper Nikki Coryell.
"It's a tough one to take because we felt like we definitely did enough to not lose it, and even go on and win the game. This is soccer, and we have to make sure we assess the things that didn't go our way and make sure we learn from them before Thursday night," O'Neill said.
The Huskies will now prepare for the home opener on Thursday against Eastern Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will come after the men's season opener against Western Illinois at 4:30 p.m.
"First day on the calendar that everyone looks for is the home opener, the first time you're home each season is a pretty big deal. We're excited that we get under the lights on Thursday night against an instate rival in Eastern Illinois who will definitely bring their own challenges," O'Neill said.
