UNI soccer falls to Evansville in MVC road contest, 1-0

Thursday, October 15

Evansville, Ind.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

1-10-2, 1-3-1

Evansville

4-5-1, 2-3-0

Team	1	2	Final F
UNI	0	0	0
Evansville	0	1	1

Photo by: University of Evansville Athletics

UNI soccer falls to Evansville in MVC road contest, 1-0

10/15/2026 8:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score FINAL RESULTS Photo Gallery

Panthers hold Aces scoreless for 74 minutes, penalty goal the late deciding factor

EVANSVILLE, Ind. --- The UNI soccer team held the Evansville Purple Aces scoreless for the majority of Thursday night's match, but conceded a late second half penalty kick that served as the difference in a 1-0 loss in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

The Panthers maintained a consistent offensive attack throughout the game with 13 shots attempts, including six on goal. Northern Iowa played clean soccer with only nine fouls throughout the contest, but came up short of picking up three points in the league table.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers had a scoring opportunity early with Shaelee Franck putting a shot on goal in the second minute of action. UNI would add two more shot attempts before Franck added another shot on target which was saved by Evansville's Brianna Chirpich. Morgan Smith tried to break the scoreless tie in the 35th minute but couldn't convert on the opportunity. The Purple Aces notched three shot attempts in the first half, two of which were deflected by the Panthers.

Evansville wouldn't acquire its first shot on goal of the match until the 51st minute, when reigning MVC Player of the Week Brielle LaBerge attempted a right-footed shot that was saved by UNI goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke. Franck had a scoring opportunity in the 53rd minute in front of the box but the shot was missed right. Smith put two more shots on goal for the Panthers in a ten-minute span, with neither finding the back of the net. After a foul on Allison Flies in the box, Evansville was awarded a penalty kick, which led to LaBerge connecting on the first goal of the contest in the 74th minute to give the Purple Aces a 1-0 lead that was carried to the final whistle.

Smith led Northern Iowa with three shot attempts on goal, followed by Franck with two. Audrey Still recorded one shot on goal on two attempts, while Aly Arena, Kylie Knief and Ella Ubben each had one shot attempt. Luedtke finished with two saves in the contest.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

UNI falls to 7-17-5 all-time with Thursday's loss against Evansville.
With Thursday's loss, the Panthers fall into a tie with Valparaiso for seventh in the MVC table with four points and four matches remaining in the regular season. Only the top-six teams in the league will qualify for the MVC Tournament.
Hailey Luedtke continues to lead the MVC with 62 total saves and 5.6 saves per match despite UNI's loss to the Purple Aces.

UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action on Sunday, Oct. 18 when they host the Murray State Racers in MVC action. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT at the UNI Soccer Field with live coverage available on ESPN+.

Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the match for the Panthers' annual Pups At The Pitch match. UNI themed dog bandanas and waste containers will be available while supplies last.

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). Schedule and roster information, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.