UNI soccer ends non-conference slate with loss at Omaha

Sunday, September 15

Omaha, Neb.

1 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

5-2-1, 0-0-0

Omaha

6-0-2, 0-0-0

UNI

Omaha

UNI soccer vs. St. Ambrose | Aug. 28, 2024 (Cedar Falls, Iowa)

Photo by: Eli Hull

UNI soccer ends non-conference slate with loss at Omaha

9/15/2024 3:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score FINAL RESULTS

Panthers four-match win streak snapped on the road by Mavericks. UNI opens MVC play on Thursday at UIC.

OMAHA, Neb. — The UNI soccer team saw its four-match winning streak snapped on the road on Sunday afternoon after a late goal by the Omaha Mavericks in a 2-1 loss at Caligia Field.

Northern Iowa took the lead in the first half, but could not stop two Maverick goals in the second half, including the game-winning score in the final minutes. The Panthers finish the non-conference portion of the 2024 season with a 5-2-1 record, with Missouri Valley Conference (MVC0 play set to open later this week.

HOW IT HAPPENED
In a tight first half, UNI's defense stayed alive as they fought through the first 30 minutes of the match in a scoreless dual, despite pressure from the Panthers and an early shot attempt by Lauren Heinsch. Olivia Bohl would break the scoreless draw in the 32nd minute with a low shot past Omaha goalkeeper Mia Reedtz Rehde Olesen on her second shot attempt of the half for the lone score of the period.

After a change in goal for the Mavericks at halftime, the Panthers struggled to put the ball past new goalkeeper Maja Baun as Omaha outshot UNI 9-5 in the final 45 minutes. The Mavericks would tie the match in the 75th minute on a goal by Regan Zimmers with an assist by Grace Crockett, while Zimmers would later find Alyssa Kellar late in the 88th minute for the ultimate game-winning score past UNI goalkeeper Caitlin Richards.

"Disappointment with the loss today, but not with the effort," said UNI head coach Bruce Erickson following the loss. "Sometimes the game punishes you and we were undisciplined on set pieces and that was really the only place Omaha was dangerous and score both goals for the difference. We are excited for MVC play to start."

Heinsch finished the afternoon with a match-high five shot attempts with Bohl providing UNI's only two shot attempts on goal. Richards, meanwhile recorded three saves in the loss.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

UNI falls to 3-4-3 all-time against the Mavericks with Sunday's loss. Northern Iowa and Omaha have now split the three previous meetings with the Panthers winning at home in 2023 and tying in 2022.
Freshman Haylee Braun made her collegiate debut on Sunday with her first career start for the Panthers.
Olivia Bohl's first half goal was her second of the 2024 season and third of her collegiate career.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will open MVC play on Thursday, Sept. 19 on the road against the UIC Flames in Chicago. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT at Flames Field 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.