MACOMB — Freshman Ella McGinnis scored the first goal of her collegiate career during the closing minutes Sunday, but Northern Iowa could not complete the comeback in a 2-1 loss to Western Illinois at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
The Leathernecks controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting the Panthers 18-13 and holding a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal.
Western Illinois grabbed the lead during the 17th minute when Callie McMurtrey broke free and scored the opening goal.
The Leathernecks continued pressuring the UNI defense throughout the first half, producing nine shots and placing five attempts on goal.
Shaelee Franck led Northern Iowa’s early attack with three shots, while Ella Ubben added two attempts. The Panthers were unable to break through and entered halftime trailing 1-0.
Western Illinois doubled its advantage during the 70th minute when Rita Moran found the net to make it 2-0.
UNI refused to go quietly.
Franck, Kylie Knief and Keira Bogott each put second-half shots on goal as the Panthers searched for a way back into the match.
McGinnis finally broke through during the 89th minute, connecting on a header and trimming the Western Illinois lead to 2-1. The Panthers, however, ran out of time before producing an equalizer.
Franck finished with a career-high five shots to lead UNI. Ubben recorded two attempts, while goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke made eight saves.
McGinnis became the second Panther to score this season, joining Abi Roberts. Roberts delivered UNI’s first goal of the year when the Panthers battled St. Ambrose to a 1-1 draw and snapped a nine-match losing streak on August 27.
Sunday’s defeat came after Northern Iowa suffered a 5-0 road loss to Iowa State in Ames.
The result dropped UNI’s all-time record against Western Illinois to 8-10-5.
Luedtke has now recorded at least five saves in four of her five appearances this season.
Northern Iowa returns home Thursday, September 10, to face St. Thomas in its final non-conference match of the fall.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the UNI Soccer Field in Cedar Falls. The match will be available on ESPN+.