Emily Nulty
Northern Illinois took on South Dakota State Sunday to conclude the Jackrabbit Invitational in Brookings, S.D.
Unfortunately for the Huskies, it was a sour ending. A tight match was dropped when SDSU’s Caylee Costello headed in a corner kick during the 89th minute to give the Jackrabbits the late 2-1 advantage. That held, and the Huskies fell to 2-3-0 on the season.
Much of the action in this game came during the first half.
The Jackrabbits were able to strike first when Megan Kingston threaded a pass to Alyssa Brazil in the 13th minute. In the 35th minute, Sara Spaulding (Milton, Wis./Milton) fought back with her first goal of the season. The two teams went into the half tied at 1-1.
The second half was a defensive battle, but SDSU held an advantage. The Jackrabbits applied more pressure, firing nine shots while also taking six corner kicks to the Huskies’ one during the final 45 minutes. Even still, for much of the half, it seemed as though the teams would be headed to overtime since the Huskies were bending, but not breaking.
Overtime never happened, though, as the Jackrabbits were able to get the corner kick and header combination to work and go ahead just before the end of regulation.
“We’ll work hard in practice to get better for our next time out,” said head coach John Ross.
Three of Ross’ players were honored as members of the All-Tournament Team for the Jackrabbit Invitational, including Sara Spaulding, Emily Nulty (Omaha, Neb./Marian), and Allie McBride (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley). While she did was not honored as an all-tournament player, Lauren Noonan (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) also received high praise from Ross.
Next up for the Huskies is a 7 p.m. game Friday, Sept. 13, in Green Bay, Wis. against the Phoenix.
For more information on NIU women’s soccer and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
