University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
4-9-3, 1-6-2
UIC
7-7-4, 3-3-3
Panthers soccer falls to UIC in 2025 finale
10/30/2025 3:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Flames score in second half to hand UNI 1-0 loss to close out 2025 season.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI soccer team battled to the final whistle but would come up short on Thursday as the Panthers dropped their 2025 season finale to the UIC Flames at home by a score of 1-0.
In a match with potent offensive attacks on both sides of the ball, a second half goal by the Flames was the difference with UIC narrowly outshooting UNI by a 15-14 margin. Northern Iowa finishes the season with a record of 4-9-3 overall and 1-6-2 in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UNI opened the first half with high energy and evenly matched UIC in shot attempts, 7-7 with a narrow advantage in shots on goal, 5-2. Caroline Hazen led the Panther attack with two shot attempts in the first 45 minutes with Kennedy Buntenbach recording two first half saves in her final collegiate match, holding the score level at 0-0 into halftime.
In the second half, the Flames would go on the attack and break the scoreless tie seven minutes into the period in the 52nd minute with a goal from Katelyn Nardulli on a pass from Sophia Jamie. Despite multiple corner kick attempts and seven total shot attempts in the final frame, the Panthers were unable to level to score late, falling by one goal.
Ella Ubben and Macy Smith finished the afternoon with a team-high three shot attempts each with Smith putting all three of her attempts on goal. Hazen finished with two shot attempts and one attempt each from Sydney Burskey, Olivia Knoepfle, Sophia Balistreri, Allison Flies and Haylee Braun. Buntenbach finished the match with three saves in goal.
I am deeply grateful for our team's positive culture and the valuable experience we shared this year, said UNI interim head coach Alex Place Thomas. This team demonstrated unwavering commitment and Panther pride until the very end. I extend my sincere gratitude to my assistant coaches and support staff for their exceptional contributions throughout the year. Thank you to our senior class who were truly a joy to this program in every way. Despite the season's challenges, I am proud to be their coach.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- UNI falls to 2-2-3 all-time against the Flames as UIC picked up its second consecutive win in the series.
- Olivia Knoepfle played her 75th and final collegiate game on Thursday, finishing her career tied with Claire Clark (2010-13) and Johnnie Hill (2017-21) for the fourth-most games played in team history.
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.
Team Stats
Katelyn Nardulli (1)
Assisted By: Sophia Jaime
GOAL by UIC Nardulli, Katelyn Assist by Jaime, Sophia.
51:40
