TERRE HAUTE, Indiana — Northern Iowa’s defense held the line for more than 70 minutes Sunday, but two Indiana State goals seven minutes apart sent the Panthers to a 2-0 loss in their Missouri Valley Conference women’s soccer opener.
The Panthers entered league play after a narrow 2-1 loss to St. Thomas in their final nonconference match. On Sunday, UNI stayed within reach well into the second half despite Indiana State’s advantage in chances.
The Sycamores tested goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke immediately, putting three shots on goal in the first three minutes. Luedtke and the Panther defense kept them off the scoreboard through the first half.
Alli Saviano gave UNI its lone first-half shot on goal in the 33rd minute, but Indiana State goalkeeper Sofie Zoega Hansen made the save.
Seven-minute burst decides the match
The scoreless tie finally broke in the 72nd minute when Tori Angelo slipped a shot past Luedtke. Madison Ziebarth added Indiana State’s second goal in the 79th minute, leaving UNI little time to answer.
Indiana State outshot Northern Iowa 13-3 overall and 7-2 on goal. Saviano and Kylie Knief each put a shot on target for the Panthers, while Kailey O’Brien recorded UNI’s other attempt.
Luedtke finished with five saves. The freshman has faced heavy pressure at times this season, including a 10-save performance against Omaha in August. Poppy Anderson played the final eight minutes in goal Sunday.
Panthers return to Cedar Falls
UNI will look for its first conference win at home Sunday, September 27, against Belmont. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the UNI Soccer Field in Cedar Falls, with coverage on ESPN+.