Heinsch nets two goals in Panther win at Southern Illinois

Sunday, October 13

Carbondale, Ill.

1 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

8-4-3, 3-2-2

Southern Illinois

6-3-5, 2-1-3

UNI

Southern Ill.

Heinsch nets two goals in Panther win at Southern Illinois

10/13/2024 4:07:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score FINAL RESULTS Photo Gallery

UNI grabs key conference road win to jump to third in MVC standings. Panthers return home on Sunday to face in-state rival Drake.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A pair of goals from senior Lauren Heinsch made the difference for the UNI soccer team on Sunday as the Panthers scored a 2-1 road victory at Southern Illinois at the Lew Hartzog Complex in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.

Northern Iowa extends its unbeaten streak to five matches in a contest that saw Heinsch set new program records for career game-winning goals (9) and matches with a goal scored (21). The victory also propelled the Panthers into third-place in the league standings with 11 points with just four matches to go in the regular season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
UNI would find the back of the net and crack the scoreboard early as Maddie Eastus connected with Heinsch in the eighth minute of play on Heinsch's first shot attempt of the match past Salukis' goalkeeper Fabiana Solano for a 1-0 advantage.

After containing the SIU offense in a physical match with stellar defensive play on the field and in goal by Panther goalkeeper Caitlin Richards, Heinsch struck again in the 54th minute as Olivia Knoepfle and Macy Smith both found UNI's senior forward for a 2-0 lead.

The Salukis would close the gap six minutes later in the 60th minute of play as McKensey Bunch scored for Southern Illinois on an assist from Kylie McDermott. Despite being outshot by SIU by a 15-6 margin, Northern Iowa's early success and ability to stave off the Saluki attack paid dividends as the Panthers secured three points in the standings with the one-goal victory.

"Really proud of the performance today," said UNI head coach Bruce Erickson after the win. "Early goals in each half, chances created and saw the game out very well defensively. Liked our work ethic and a good three points!"

ADDITIONAL NOTES

UNI remains undefeated all-time against the Salukis, improving to 4-0-1.
Heinsch's second half goal broke a tie with Brynell Yount (2015-18) for the most career game-winning goals in UNI history, previously set a eight. Heinsch also broke a tie with Chelsie Hochstedler (2007-10) with her 21st career match with a goal scored.
Olivia Knoepfle notched her fourth assists of the year in Sunday's win and 12th as a Panther, tying her with Hannah McDevitt (20015-18) for second-most in team history. Knoepfle's former teammate Ashley Harrington (2020-23) holds UNI's career assists record with 14.
Knoepfle also tallied her 42nd career point in Sunday's match, fifth-most in team history.
Macy Smith's assist on Lauren Heinsch's second goal of the afternoon was the first of her collegiate career.
UNI goalkeeper Caitlin Richards has now recorded at least one save in her last 16 matches dating back to last season.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will return home on Sunday, Oct. 20 as they take on Drake at the UNI Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT with live coverage available on ESPN+.

UNI women's soccer action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Panther Soccer), X (@UNI_Soccer) and on Instagram (@unipanthersoccer). The full 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com