HAMMOND, Ind - The Northern Michigan University women's soccer finished its opening GLIAC road trip this weekend with a 0-0 draw to Purdue Northwest. 

The Wildcats opened the match with a dominant first half, where they outshot the Pride 5-1, amassed seven corners, and hit the crossbar, but were unable to come away with anything to show for it. 

The teams played evenly on the scoresheet in the second half, as the 'Cats recorded three shots to the Pride's four, and one corner to two. The 'Cats had opportunities down the stretch to capitalize, but ultimately were unable to find the back of the net, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

The 'Cats now move to 4-2-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play ahead of two critical home matches next weekend.

Cat Nips

• This is  only the second time in its last 31 games the 'Cats have been held scoreless
• Sally Patton recorded her third clean sheet of the season, stopping all three shots she was forced to save
• Along with Patton, both Maria Storm and Kenna Alexander played the full 90 minutes. Brooke Pietila (86) and Madison Bilbia (81) both played over 80 minutes
• The 'Cats have not conceded a goal in three consecutive matches, and have only conceded two goals in the last six games

How It Happened
The Wildcats had the games first good chance, as Angelina Perritano corralled the ball and sprinted past her defender toward goal. From just outside the box, she got a great hit with her right foot that looked labeled for the back of the net, but was two inches too high and hit the crossbar.

Minutes later, Pietila played in a perfect in-swinging corner kick that landed on the foot of a Wildcat attacker just outside of the keeper area. The ball was directed towards the line and beat the keeper, but a Pride defender was on the line and cleared it away.

The 'Cats best chance to open the second half came off the foot of Justina L'Esperance, who received a perfect cross to her right foot. L'Esperance's deflection was good, but bounced right into the goalkeeper's chest. 

With just north of 10 minutes left, a Wildcat freekick was sent on target. The goalkeeper had to make a diving save to the bottom right corner, giving up a rebound in tight that was just sent wide.

A great chance from a corner kick presented itself in the final minute. The ball was played short to change the service angle, the in-swinging ball came in, but the referee whistled the Wildcats offsides.

Up Next 
The Wildcats are set to return to home turf for two key matchups. On October 3 they will host Ferris State followed by October 6 against Saginaw Valley State.