EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - After going nearly five years without losing to a Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent in women’s soccer, Northern Kentucky University’s unbeaten streak ended at 60 straight matches Sunday afternoon.
And the defeat came against the same foe that handed NKU its last GLVC loss in 1999.
Ann Crawford and Katie Yearian each scored goals as Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville defeated NKU, 2-0, at Korte Stadium. Kristine Armstrong assisted both goals for the Cougars, who remained unbeaten (4-0) in the GLVC and improved to 6-3 overall.
NKU (6-3 overall, 3-1 GLVC) had not lost to a GLVC opponent since Oct. 9, 1999, when SIUE posted a 3-1 win against the Norse on the same field. After that defeat, NKU posted a 54-0-6 record against GLVC foes during the next five seasons.
The unbeaten streak of 60 consecutive matches included GLVC Tournament play since 1999. NKU is 12-0-1 in the GLVC Tournament during the past five years, with the tie coming against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in last season’s championship contest.
NKU was also 42-0-5 during regular-season play against GLVC opponents during the unbeaten streak.
SIUE struck early Sunday as Crawford knocked in a shot from the right side at the 21:26 mark for a 1-0 Cougar lead. SIUE still held the 1-0 advantage with eight minutes remaining in the contest when Yearian added an insurance goal.
Goalie Jessica Brown recorded her first shutout of the season for SIUE and picked up eight saves. The Cougars held a 12-9 advantage in shot attempts and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.
Senior goalie Lauren Piening finished with six saves for NKU, which is ranked 10th nationally in the NCAA Division II poll.
NKU will play host to the University of Southern Indiana at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Ky.
|
Lauren Piening |