NMU soccer team edged by Walsh

MARQUETTE – It was the third overtime match in a row and fourth on the season for the Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team, but Walsh was able to come away with the match scoring a golden goal in the 99th minute to pick up a 4-3 win Friday at the NMU Soccer Field.

The loss drops the Wildcats to 2-5-1 overall with a 0-3 league record. Walsh improved to 6-1-2 overall with a 3-0-1 record in league play.

“The challenge continues,” said Head Coach Matt Granstrand. “We played a good game against a high quality Walsh opponent. Once the winning comes, and it will come, it will be a lot easier. I’m proud of these girls, but right now it’s like running uphill and we can’t quite catch a break. We will continue to work hard and it will come.”

NMU took a 1-0 lead when senior Ashley Katers scored on an assist by sophomore Wynona Maravilla in the 26th minute of action (25:09) when Maravilla crossed the ball over to Katers at the goal line.

Walsh’s Kristen Conti then scored two goals to put the Cavaliers on top scoring her sixth and seventh goals of the season in the 35th minute (34:08) and 44th minute (43:05).

Maravilla netted the equalizer for the Wildcats in the 58th minute (57:40) on an unassisted goal from 22-yards out to the near post.

Sophomore Carmen Villarruel put NMU back on top when she was on the receiving end of a give and go from sophomore Paula Hafner in the 64th minute (63:31).

Walsh scored its last goal of regulation to force overtime when Amy Gillmore took a feed off a corner kick from Sarah Berger which was redirected by Maddy Novak in the 77th minute (76:17).

Jessie Gearhart scored the game-winner in the 99th minute of action (98:08) on a penalty kick.

NMU was outshot by Walsh 14-16 in the contest with each squad taking eight shots on goal.

Maravilla led the Wildcats with four shots, two of which were on goal while freshman Abby Cook also had two shots on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Caroline Glantz made four saves in net for the Wildcats playing the complete game. Michella Stuckey made five saves in net for Walsh.

The Wildcats return to action at noon Sunday to face off against Ohio Dominican at the NMU Soccer Field.

(Information Courtesy of NMU Athletics)