CEDAR FALLS – UNI soccer overcame a late first half deficit with a second half equalizer by Olivia Knoepfle in the 80th minute to tie the South Dakota Coyotes to kick off the 2024 regular season on Thursday afternoon at the UNI Soccer Field.
In a game that saw the Panthers control possession for much of the first half, it was the opposition that struck first as Izzy Quintavalle gave the Coyotes a lead late in the 43rd minute on an assist by Lexi Cerone, slipping one past Northern Iowa goalkeeper Caitlin Richards. Despite a clean first half with just one foul committed, South Dakota pulled even in total shot attempts with six a piece in the opening half, including 2-1 in shots on goal as the Coyotes went into halftime ahead, 1-0.
South Dakota would ramp up the pressure on defense in the second half, slowing multiple Panther attacks and challenging UNI’s own defense in goal. The Panthers would break through with just over ten minutes to play in regulation as Knoepfle’s shot on goal deflected off the leg of a Coyote defender and through the hands of goalkeeper Margot Mulhern, who entered the game to begin the second half.
“Today looked and felt like a first game,” said UNI head coach Bruce Erickson. “Some good moments, a great opportunity in the first minute and then the game got a bit sloppy. Appreciated how hard we worked to get back in the game and thought we created some good chances. Overall, a fair result. We’re looking forward to playing again Sunday.”
Maddie Eastus finished the afternoon with a team-high five shot attempts, while Lauren Heinsch and Morgan Barnette each attempted two shots. Richards ended the day with three saves in net, playing all 90 minutes.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The Panthers are now 9-5-3 all-time against the Coyotes after Thursday’s tie. This was the third time UNI opened the season against South Dakota, winning in 2009 and tying in 2018 and now 2024.
Northern Iowa is 10-7-8 all-time in the first match of the regular season, and 4-1-3 under head coach Bruce Erickson in season opening contests.
UNI has now gone 14 consecutive matches at home in the regular season without a loss after Thursday’s draw. The Panthers’ last home loss in the regular season came on Sept. 25, 2022 in a 2-0 loss to Missouri State.
Olivia Knoepfle’s second half goal was her tenth of her career, moving her up to 11th all-time in UNI history. Her now 28 career points also tie her with Jane Masteller (2000-01) for eighth in team history.
Goalkeeper Caitlin Richards moved into second in school history with 4,951 minutes in goal, passing Lauren Lotzman (2008-11).
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action on Sunday, Aug. 18 as they host the Western Illinois Leathernecks. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT at the UNI Soccer Field with live coverage available on ESPN+.