GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Northern Michigan University Women's Soccer team opened up the 2021 fall schedule with a road exhibition against NCAA Division I member the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on Friday. The contest, which did not count towards the Wildcats' record but did count for the Phoenix, ended due to inclement weather in the 80th minute with a score of 1-1.

FIRST HALF, FIRST GOAL

NMU did not take long to get on the board in the first contest of the year.

In the ninth minute, freshman Justina L'Esperance scored her first goal as a Wildcat on an assist from Isabela Cardoso to put NMU up 1-0.

The Phoenix were unable to find an answer for the goal in the first half of action.

EVENED UP

A little over 20 minutes into the second half of action a Green Bay goal evened up the score at 1-1 all. 

The teams continued to battle into the 80th minute before the game was called due to inclement weather and lightning in the area.

STAT LEADERS

The Wildcats outshot the Phoenix 5-3 overall and 3-1 in shots on goal. 

Both teams were able to notch a corner kick each in the second half.

On offense, NMU had three players take shots. L'Esperance led the team with three, with all coming on goal. Cardoso and Natalie Stampfly each took one shot. 

Shenae Kreps was the goalkeeper for the Wildcats and played the full contest in the net.

WILDCAT TALK

"It was fun to finally play a competitive game after preparing for so long. We felt ready to play and everyone was sharp," said NMU midfielder Justina L'Esperance. 

"I think we played really well but there are obviously things that we still need to figure out. My teammate Isa shot the ball and the goalie rebounded it right to me and I happened to be in the right spot so all I had to do was kick it in. My teammates did all the work for the goal. I'm really excited for the season to see what we can accomplish," concluded L'Esperance.

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