HAMMOND, Ind. - The no. 14 Northern Michigan University women's soccer team opened up its road trip with a 1-0 win against the Purdue Northwest Pride, holding the 1-0 lead for over 87 minutes.

Madison Bilbia forced the issue right away, as her shot deflected in off a member of the Pride and gave the 'Cats an early lead in the third minute of play. The Wildcats dominated from there in terms of time of possession, set-piece opportunities, and 50/50 balls, but the 'Cats did everything but score and were unable to find the back of the net for a second time. The Pride did its best to counter in the dying minutes but the 'Cats didn't allow any dangerous opportunities, going on to secure three points on the road.

The Wildcats grabbed its tenth win of the season, moving to 10-1-3 overall and 6-1-3 in the conference. The Pride has yet to find a conference win this season, moving to 2-10-2 overall and 0-9-1 in conference play. 

Cat Nips

• With this win, the Wildcats have now surpassed the 10-win mark in three straight seasons, holding a combined record of 34-13-9 since 2021
• Jillian Thompson picked up her ninth shutout of the season, tying Shenae Kreps and Kara Music for most shutouts in a season, and moving into fourth all-time for career shutouts
• Aside from the keeper, both Gwen Kiilunen and Maria Storm played the full 90 minutes
• The Wildcats outshot the Pride 4-1, all of which were on target
• The 'Cats held possession in set-piece opportunities with six corners to none

How It Happened
1st Half
It took the Wildcats less than three minutes to take the lead, as Madison Bilbia made an excellent run down the left side toward the end line. Bilbia struck the ball toward goal with her left foot, the ball hit a member of the Pride defense and was deflected by the keeper's short side to give the 'Cats an early 1-0 lead.

The Pride came close to equalizing as they turned the field quickly on a counter. A Pride player crossed a ball into the box, but reigning GLIAC Defender of the Week Jillian Thompson came off her line to come out and grab the ball to deny the chance. 

The Wildcats would carry the 1-0 lead into the half, scoring on their only shot in the opening 45. The 'Cats also held an edge on set pieces, recording three corners to the Prides' none.

2nd Half
The Wildcats started the half all on the front foot, generating chance after chance in the opening minutes. Molly Pistorius backed her way into the box and made a no-look pass for Brooke Pietila that was just out of reach for the forward.

Bilbia almost scored her second goal of the game, as she controlled a pass and streaked up the left side again. She walked her way into the box and towards the six-yard area before using her left foot to fire a shot on target again. This time it was into the chest of the keeper.

Pistorius had her best chance of the evening from just inside the 18-yard box. She sent a left-footed shot on target, but she didn't force the keeper to move to make the save.

The Wildcats shut down the opposition down the stretch, not allowing any room for the Pride, and securing the 1-0 decision.

Up Next
The Wildcats conclude its road trip with a visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to square off against the Parkside Rangers.