CEDAR FALLS — The UNI soccer team recorded its highest shot attempt total of the season in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play on Thursday afternoon, but was unable to slow down a persistent effort from Evansville in the second half in a 2-0 loss to the Purple Aces at the UNI Soccer Field.
Northern Iowa outshot Evansville by a 21-11 margin in the game, but would concede a pair of goals in a three minute span in the second half.
UNI found multiple opportunities on offense in the first half, outshooting the Purple Aces by a 10-1 margin, but was unable to slip the ball past Evansville goalkeeper Allie Lammers. Sydney Burskey led the Panther push with three shot attempts and two from Kylie Knief as both squads went into the halftime break in a scoreless tie, with UNI starting keeper Thordis Melsted facing no shot attempts on goal.
After containing Evansville’s attack in the first 45 minutes after a Panther goal change with Kennedy Buntenbach entering the game. The Purple Aces narrowly outshot Northern Iowa 11-10 in the final period and would break the scoreless tie in the 57th minute on a penalty kick from Brielle LaBerge. Just two minutes and four seconds later, Evansville would strike again with Brooklyn Robinson scoring on a pass from Ella McAndrew for a 2-0 lead that the Purple Aces would defend to the final whistle.
Olivia Knoepfle finished the afternoon with a team-high four shot attempts with two on goal as Denise Camarena and Burskey each attempted three shots and two a piece from Macy Smith and Knief. Buntenbach recorded four saves in the second half in goal.
“It was an unfortunate result with us having 59% of the possession, but it shows the importance of capitalizing on important chances,” said UNI interim head coach Alex Place Thomas. “We are back to work this weekend against Southern Illinois.”
ADDITIONAL NOTES
UNI falls to 7-16-5 all-time against the Purple Aces with Thursday’s loss, snapping a short two-game winning streak for the Panthers.
Thursday’s game was Northern Iowa’s first contest of the season it lost despite outshooting its opponent.
Olivia Knoepfle played in her 73rd career match on Thursday afternoon, tied for eighth-most in program history.
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action on Sunday, Oct. 26 when they host the Southern Illinois Salukis. 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 for the team’s annual Pups On The Pitch event with dog treats available.