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.
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.
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+.