NORMAL, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team used a goal with seven seconds left in the first half from Kelsie Mclaughlin to earn a 1-0 victory at Illinois State on Thursday night.
 
"I'm really proud of the group effort today," NIU head coach Michael O'Neill said. "Illinois State made it super difficult today for us and put pressure on us in all areas. We had to find a way to win and scoring a goal right before the break was a momentum builder to bring into the second half."
 
The Huskies goal came in the 45^th minute after a corner kick led to shots on goal from Reegan Kingpavong (Rockford, Ill./Saginaw Valley State) and Tyra King (Menifee, Calif./Matea Valley) that were saved before Kelsi McLaughlin (Greenfield, Ind./Illinois State) was able to earn the ball back near the line and rocket it into the net.
 
"We work on corners a lot, and it looked like Reagan (Kingpavong) and Tyra (King) had scored and then Kesi (McLaughlin) was there," said O'Neill. "If you don't score at first, try again and today we did that. Those moments win games."
 
The victory marked the first time that NIU (5-1-1) has defeated Illinois State (2-4-2) since 1997 and the first time they have taken them down in Normal since 1996.
 
The Huskies outshot the Redbirds 13-7 and 7-3 in shots on target.
 
Ary Purifoy (Machesney Park, Ill./Oklahoma State) made three saves and earned her fourth win and fourth clean sheet of 2024.
 
In the first half, the teams went back and forth. NIU led the half 6-5 in shots but neither team was able to break through until the final minute of the half.
 
After the intermission, the Huskies outshot ISU 3-1 on frame and controlled 57% of the possession. The Huskies were able to keep the Redbirds from any clear looks on net.
 
"In the second half we adjusted and were a bit more pragmatic," O'Neill said. "I thought we showed great organization and leadership, Lauren (Mrugala) in front of them was a warrior. I'm really proud that we were able to win a game like that. This is our fourth game on the road in a row, so just a pleasing performance and a fifth win is very pleasing right now."
 
The win is the Huskies third on their four-game road trip and the fifth in six games.
 
The goal was McLaughlin's third of 2024 and King's assist was her third.
 
NIU returns home at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, to host the Valparaiso Beacons at the NIU Soccer Complex. Admission to NIU Soccer is FREE!
 
-- NIU --