University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Drake
Panther soccer falls at Drake on late goal, 1-0
10/18/2025 7:47:00 PM | Women's Soccer
UNI battles league-leading Bulldogs in low scoring match in Des Moines. Panthers host Evansville next Thursday to kick off final three games of the regular season.
DES MOINES, Iowa — The UNI soccer team held the first-place Drake Bulldogs at bay for 81 minutes but would ultimately come up short in a 1-0 loss in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play on Saturday at Mediacom Stadium
In a match where Northern Iowa was held to just three total shot attempts, it was the Panther defense that stood tall against the reigning conference tournament runners-up in their final road contest of the regular season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers would struggle to break through against the Drake defense as the Bulldogs held UNI without a shot attempt in the first 45 minutes while posting nine shot attempts. Northern Iowa's defense would stand firm however as Thordis Melsted notched four saves to keep the game scoreless heading to halftime despite 12 fouls against UNI.
Kennedy Buntenbach would start in goal for the Panthers in the second half as Aynslea Ulschmid, Olivia Bohl and Caroline Hazen would each get a shot attempt off in the final 45 minutes of action. After 81 minutes of scoreless play, the Bulldogs would break the tie in the 82nd minute as Zoey Mahoney scored off her left foot in the top left corner of the net on a pass from Ivy Sobel for the game-winner.
I was proud of our team effort and preparation, said UNI interim head coach Alex Place Thomas. We played with heart and determination tonight! Drake is a tough opponent and we had a hard fought battle. We are ready for our three home game stretch.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- UNI falls to 4-15-6 all-time against the Bulldogs after Saturday's loss, Drake's third straight win in the series.
- Saturday marked the second straight match goalkeeper Thordis Melsted recorded four saves, tying her UNI career-high.
- Northern Iowa's 20 fouls were tied for third-most in a game in program history and most for the Panthers since being called for 20 fouls against Georgia Southern on Aug. 31, 2008.
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action on Thursday, Oct. 23 when they host the Evansville Purple Aces. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT at the UNI Soccer 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 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
