MARQUETTE, Mich. - After several second-half chances, Maria Storm finally broke a scoreless tie in the 80th minute for the Wildcats as NMU fought through for a 1-0 win over the Parkside Rangers on Sunday. 

After being outshot in the first half, NMU turned the tides in big fashion in half two, dominating in shots 14-1. After a couple of dinged crossbars, Maria Storm got a goal in the box with ten minutes left for the game's lone score. 

It was Storm's second goal of the weekend to help lead Northern to a two-win weekend. "It was a battle, but we were still able to get six points this weekend," Storm said after the match. "Now we have to change our focus to the week ahead."

The 1-0 victory over UWP also marked the fifth straight shutout for goalkeeper Shenae Kreps and the 'Cats. Kreps smothered five Ranger shots sent her way. Kreps and NMU last allowed a goal on September 25 at Davenport. 

"There are definitely some things we need to work on, but we got the results we deserved this weekend," Kreps added. "Now it's time to look forward to hitting the road with two big games next weekend."


Thank You Seniors
Northern Michigan Athletics would like to thank Rachael Erste, Evelyn Flor, Courtney Handlen, Shenae Kreps, and Natalie Stampfly for their contributions to Northern Michigan soccer and beyond. We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors! 


First Half
The teams exchanged chances in their attacking third throughout much of the first half, but neither side produced a high-quality look as the half flew by. UWP arguably outplayed NMU in the half, outshooting the Wildcats 5-3 in shots on target. There was one more foul in the half than there were attempted shots (14 fouls, 13 shots).

The game remained scoreless as the sides prepared for the second half. Ally Francisco had four shots for Parkside while Natalie Stampfly had two of the three shots on goal for the Green and Gold. 


Second Half
NMU came out of the half with three early good looks from Hannah Kastamo, Isabelle Brusilow, and Brooke Pietila. The Wildcats looked to gain momentum and punch in the game's first goal early in the second half. 

Hannah Kastamo had the best look of the afternoon in the 60th minute, turning around in the right side of the box, but the shot slide across the crossbar and bounced to the far corner. 

In the 67th minute, Brooke Pietila rang another shot off the crossbar, this time from a penalty kick. NMU was unable to convert on the opportunities that came about.

Two minutes later, Ashley Koch had a breakaway, but an aggressive play from the Parkside keeper led to another big save to keep the 'Cats off the board. 

With 10 minutes left, NMU broke through as Maria Storm spun in the box and fired a left-footed strike into the back of the net for the Wildcat 1-0 lead. 

The 'Cats held on for the shutout victory.  


A Look at the Stats

• NMU outshot UWP 21-7 (14-1 in the 2nd half) and 7-5 in shots on goal (5-0 in the 2nd half).
• Maria Storm's goal marked her 4th of the season and second of the weekend. 
• Shenae Kreps stopped five shots and now has a five-game shutout streak. 
• The Wildcats commanded seven corners to the Rangers' two. 

Up Next
The Wildcats will finish the regular season with a three-game road trip. Next weekend, they will be at Saginaw Valley State on Friday, October 21 and at Ferris State on Sunday, October 23. Each game is set to begin at 1 p.m.