DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team was defeated by Central Michigan, 2-0, at the NIU Soccer Complex on Thursday (Sept. 26). NIU (6-2-3, 0-1-2 MAC) outshot CMU (4-4-2, 2-0-1 MAC), 12-8, but the Chippewas were able to score twice in the second half to pull out the victory.
 
"I thought we started slow today," NIU head coach Michael O'Neill said. "We were nearly 1-0 down inside 35 seconds, and we managed to steady the ship. The bench did a great job creating momentum. We asserted ourselves more in the second half, but they punished us in the transitional moments, and we weren't good enough in the other 18-yard box."
 
Aubrey Robertson (Fishers, Ind./Fishers) and Alyssa Stephenson (Oakville, Ontario) recorded shots on target in the match.
 
The Huskies were immediately put under pressure by Central Michigan as Ary Purifoy (Machesney Park, Ill/Oklahoma State) made two big saves in the first 10 minutes.
 
NIU forced the ball up the field more as the first half wore on.
 
The Huskies earned more opportunities in the second half, but Jocelin Zimmerer scored on a counter to push CMU ahead in the 58^th minute.
 
Rachel Jackson added another goal for the Chippewas in the 61st minute.
 
NIU created more pressure and earned a penalty kick in the 88th minute but were unable to find the net.
 
The Huskies will be back in action on Sunday, Sept. 29 as they take on Buffalo. The game is set for a 12 PM CT kickoff.
 
"It will be a tough challenge because Buffalo is very talented," O'Neill said. "We are going to see what we have on Sunday going to a tough environment after a loss. If I know my team, then they will be ready to go."
 
-- NIU --