Naperville, IL— Millikin University women's soccer faced the No. 1 NPI ranked team, North Central College Wednesday evening for a Collegiate Conference in Illinois and Wisconsin contest. Trailing early but sticking close, the Big Blue fell short for the first time in conference play this season.
Taking charge early was North Central with three shot attempts early. On the third shot, there was an assisted goal six minutes into the first half. Thirty minutes later, the assister of the first put herself in position to score the second goal for the Cardinals, ending the first half 2-0 over the Big Blue.
North Central won the shot battle with 22 in the first half versus Millikin two. Corner kicks were also in favor of the Cardinals with four and Millikin with zero.
Fighting back early in the second half was Millikin's Izzy Jones, putting the Big Blue on the board 2-1 unassisted; this marks her 14th goal of the season.
"We showed incredible fight and spirit in the second half. We have lots of positives to build on", expresses Head Coach Ian Doherty. Showing aggression in the second half with improvement on shot attempts, the Big Blue could not convert in the last 40 minutes of regulation.
Goalkeeper Haley Futon marked 90 minutes of play, making 12 saves on North Central's 14 shots on goal. This puts her at 18 saves on the season in four appearances.
Women's soccer falls to 6-4-3 on the season and 0-1-3 in CCIW play. Next up is another conference matchup with Elmhurst on Saturday, October 10. Kickoff is set for 2PM at Frank M. Lindsay Field, also being streamed on the CCIW Network.
