WINONA, Minn. – A gritty effort by the Winona State University women's soccer team earned a 1-0 over Northern Michigan University at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium on Friday, Sept. 10.
Warrior forward
Riley Harmon broke free on the right side of the penalty area to drive a shot past NMU goalkeeper Shenae Kreps, accounting for the scoring in the match. Harmon was able to capitalize on a deflection of her initial effort from about 16 yards out and put the rebound home from close range.
Prior to Harmon's heroics, WSU goalkeeper
Yanel Ortiz produced some key saves in the match, including a flurry of stops in the opening moments of the second half. NMU's Isabela Cardoso found herself one-on-one with Ortiz, but was unable to score, as the Winona State goalkeeper closed the striker's angle and denied Cardoso from close range on her first shot and the followup effort.
Winona State found itself on the defensive for much of the first half, as the Wildcats were on their front foot for most of the initial 45 minutes. NMU registered the first eight shots of the contest, putting a handful over the bar or wide of the goal. Some substitutions late in the first half changed the tempo for the Warriors, with
Reanne Weil and
Ashley Hewitt both forcing Northern Michigan's Kreps into a pair of stellar saves. At the half, NMU held the advantage in overall shots 11-4, the two teams were even on shots on goal (4) and knotted on the scoreboard in a 0-0 tie.
After the break, Winona State was the aggressor, carry the run of play with solid possession for much of the second half.
Jaida Wiege came close to scoring at the 50 minute mark, but saw her 20-yard effort turned away by Kreps. After a series of NMU corner kicks, Winona State caught the Wildcats on the break and Harmon stepped up to the opportunity to score at the 56-minute mark.
Down 1-0, NMU continued to press but Ortiz was again up to the task, including a diving stop to her right on a Maria Storm shot headed to the bottom corner with nine minutes to go in the game.
For Winona State (1-1, 0-0 NSIC), the shutout win was their first clean sheet since a 3-0 win over Minot State on Oct. 27, 2019. With the victory, WSU moves to 5-0 all-time against Northern Michigan and gains some momentum heading into NSIC play.
The Warriors will host the University of Sioux Falls on Friday, Sept. 17 at 5pm to open their league slate.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
