CEDAR FALLS — The UNI Panthers finally broke through Thursday, scoring their first goal of the season and snapping a nine-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against St. Ambrose at the UNI Soccer Field.
Freshman Abi Roberts delivered the breakthrough in the eighth minute, scoring the first goal of her college career to give Northern Iowa an early lead.
Ella Ubben set up the play, finding Roberts just outside the goal box. Roberts finished the opportunity by sending the ball into the back of the net.
The assist was Ubben’s first of the season and the second of her career.
Northern Iowa kept attacking throughout the opening half.
Kailey O’Brien, Ubben and Aly Arena each placed an additional shot on goal as the Panthers carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
UNI attempted 12 shots during the first half, the third-highest total recorded by the Panthers in a single half in program history.
St. Ambrose answered shortly after the break.
Veronica Gordon scored from a pass by Olivia Infante, pulling the Fighting Bees even at 1-1.
Northern Iowa continued pressing for the winning goal and outshot St. Ambrose 11-6 during the second half.
The Panthers could not break the deadlock before time expired.
UNI finished with season highs of 23 total shots and eight shots on goal. St. Ambrose attempted 11 shots and placed five on target.
O’Brien led the Panthers with six shot attempts, while Roberts finished with five.
Kylie Knief, Ubben, Allison Flies and Allison McCleery attempted two shots apiece.
UNI goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke made four saves.
The Panthers’ 11 second-half shots marked the fourth-highest total recorded by the program in a single half.
Northern Iowa remains unbeaten against St. Ambrose, leading the all-time series 13-0-1 and outscoring the Fighting Bees 35-5.
The draw ended UNI’s nine-match losing streak, which dated to last season.
The Panthers will now turn their attention to another in-state opponent.
UNI travels to Ames to face Iowa State at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 30, at the Cyclone Sports Complex. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.