by Nick Dill, Student Reporter
The Rangers battled to the end and came out victorious. The Northwestern Women’s Soccer team defeated East Central University 2-1 in overtime at home.
The Rangers started the game fast after getting the first six shots of the game. Chances were there, but neither team could capitalize on these scoring chances.
The match went into a weather delay due to lightning in the 25th minute. This weather delay shocked everyone, including head coach Eric Solberg.
“I think for us it was to keep it simple. Think it actually helped us break the game up allowed us to play some players a little bit longer. You know we got a little break there,” Solberg said.
Yazmin Gomez scored the first goal of the game to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. This was Gomez’s third goal of the week and sixth on the season.
Northwestern controlled the rest of the first half and led 1-0 at halftime. East Central tied the game in the second half.
Both teams battled back and forth throughout the game, but were unable to finish on their chances. The game ended 1-1 in regulation, and forced the game into overtime. Northwestern had their first two shots in overtime.
After a breakaway opportunity, East Central fouled Abby Nunez to give the Rangers a penalty kick. Nunez took advantage and scored the penalty kick to give the Rangers the 2-1 lead. Nunez’s goal was the game-winning goal as the Rangers defeated East Central 2-1.
Coach Solberg was impressed with the hard-fought win.
The Rangers are now 6-7-1 on the season. The six wins this season are the most wins in Northwestern history since moving to Division II.
The Rangers will return to action on the road on Oct.31. The next home game is Nov. 7 against Oklahoma Baptist at 6 p.m.