UNI soccer falls at Belmont, 4-1

Sunday, September 28

Nashville, Tenn.

1 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

3-4-3, 0-1-2

Belmont

3-3-5, 1-1-1

UNI

Belmont

UNI soccer vs. St. Ambrose | Sept. 4, 2025 (Cedar Falls, Iowa)

Photo by: Allyson Schwab

UNI soccer falls at Belmont, 4-1

9/28/2025 3:22:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score FINAL RESULTS

Smith scores Panthers’ lone goal in the second half of play against the Bruins.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The UNI soccer team faced a stiff challenge on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Belmont Bruins at E.S. Rose Park by a final score of 4-1 in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play.

Northern Iowa was held to just four shot attempts in the match and faced a quick deficit, allowing three Belmont goals in the first 21 minutes of action before scoring once in the second half.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers kicked off the match against Belmont with energy, but the Bruins struck early, scoring in the fifth minute of play on a goal by Kennedy Wise. UNI continued to push forward creating chances, but Belmont would add quick goals in succession in the 19th minute by Reagan Ross, and in the 21st minute from Laken Whittington to build a 3-0 lead into halftime.

Kennedy Buntenbach started in goal for the Panthers in the second half, as the Bruins scored again in the 55th minute of play on a pass from Sami Bird to Eliza Paisley for a 4-0 lead on UNI. Macy Smith would break Belmont's attempt at the shutout late in the 60th minute as Sophie Hoffmann connected with Smith for the Panthers' lone goal of the afternoon.

Smith, Hoffman, Milan Cordone and Torie Delgado each recorded one shot attempt, while in goal Buntenbach recorded two saves in the second half and Thordis Melsted one save in the opening half.

"We had a great weekend as a team traveling out of state for our conference matches," said UNI interim head coach Alex Place Thomas. "We battled through a tough game this afternoon, but needed to capitalize on our chances. We look forward to improving this week and moving forward."

ADDITIONAL NOTES

UNI falls to 3-1-2 all-time against the Bruins with Sunday's loss.
Macy Smith's goal in the 60th minute was her team-high fourth of the season and 15th of her career, tying her with Sarah Brandt (2014-17) and Sydney Hayden (2016-19) for sixth on UNI's all-time scoring list.
Sophie Hoffmann's assist on Smith's goal was her first of the season and third of her career. She previously recorded two assists playing at South Dakota State in 2024.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will conclude their three-match road swing on Saturday, Oct. 4 when they visit Valparaiso. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT at Brown Field in northwest Indiana 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.