UNI soccer shuts out Valparaiso for first Valley win

Sunday, September 29

Cedar Falls, Iowa

12 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

6-4-1, 1-2-0

Valparaiso

4-7-0, 0-3-0

Valparaiso

UNI

Photo by: Eli Hull

UNI soccer shuts out Valparaiso for first Valley win

9/29/2024 3:39:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score FINAL RESULTS Photo Gallery

Panthers snap three-match skid in shutout win over reigning MVC Tournament champions. UNI visits Evansville on Thursday night.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI soccer offense overwhelmed the Valparaiso defense with four goals and 23 shot attempts on Sunday afternoon as the Panthers shutout the Beacons by a 4-0 score for their first Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) victory of the season.

Snapping a three-match losing streak and a two week stretch without a goal scored, Northern Iowa's defense gave no room for the Valparaiso offense to attack, allowing just two shot attempts against the reigning MVC Tournament champions, who knocked the Panthers out of the conference postseason last fall.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Just four minutes into the match, UNI took an early lead as freshman Haylee Braun and Kylie Knief both recorded the first points of their collegiate careers on an assist to Lauren Heinsch on a shot past Beacons' goalkeeper Kate Sheridan for a 1-0 lead, Heinsch's fifth goal of the year and 25th of her career. Just minutes later, Maddie Eastus doubled the Panther lead on an unassisted shot to the lower left-hand corner of the net in the 19th minute for a 2-0 advantage.

Caroline Hazen would set up another scoring opportunity for Northern Iowa in the 29th minute as she connected with Olivia Knoepfle and her fifth score of the year, giving the Panthers a 3-0 lead, a healthy margin that UNI would carry into halftime.

With UNI continuing to put pressure on the Valparaiso defense, Eastus found the back of the net for a second time in the match with an unassisted goal in the 48th minute, marking her second multi-goal game of the season.

Eastus finished the day with a season-high five shot attempts with three shots on goal, while Heinsch also attempted five shots with two on goal. Knoepfle notched four shot attempts with two on goal, as Marissa Gross tallied two shot attempts.

In goal, Caitlin Richards etched her name into UNI history by tying former Panther and current UNI assistant coach Jami Reichenberger's (2017-18) program record with her 18th career shutout. Richards also recorded one save.

"We really put in a thorough performance today," said UNI head coach Bruce Erickson following the win. "I liked our response, our overall attack and getting the shutout. Great to get back on track!"

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Sunday's win snapped UNI's three-match losing streak to Valparaiso, the Panthers first victory over the Beacons since the spring 2021 season. UNI also improves to 5-7-2 all-time against Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa's two shot attempts allowed are tied for the third fewest in a match in program history.
The Panthers have now scored 26 total goals this year, fourth-most in a single season in team history. UNI's 67 team points this year are also tied for fourth-most in a single Panther season.
Olivia Knoepfle's first half goal was the 15th of her career, tying her with Sarah Brandt (2014-17) and Sydney Hayden (2016-19) for fifth all-time in UNI history.
Lauren Heinsch has now appeared in 78 matches for the Panthers, one away from tying Hannah McDevitt (2015-18) and Sarah Brandt (2014-17) for the most in program history (79).
Heinsch's opening goal in the fourth minute of action proved to be her eighth career game-winning score, tying her with Brynell Young (2015-18) for the most in team history. Heinsch also tied Chelsie Hochstedler (2007-10) with her 20th career match with a goal scored, the most in Panther history.
Goalkeeper Caitlin Richards has recorded at least one save in her last 12 matches dating back to last season.

UP NEXT
The Panthers hit the road on Thursday, Oct. 3 as they take on Evansville at the Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville, Ind. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 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.