Northland International UniversityNorthland International University

Pioneers Struggle Against North Central but Regroup Against Faith

The ladies from North Central came to the field with winning on their minds. In the first fifteen minutes, the Rams found success when Christina Goodman shot from the top of the box, slipping the ball past Northland’s keeper, Jo Paine. As the Lady Pioneers continued to struggle, North Central found the net four more times before ninety minutes expired. “We have much more potential that we showed on the field today. We did get beat, but I believe we can compete with this team,” Casteel commented. 

Monday, October 4, would bring a different outcome against Faith of Ankeny. The morning started out with a low temperature and frost on the playing field as the game was scheduled for 10 a.m. The Lady Pioneers would be returning home to Northland today but had to recover from back-to-back losses in the past two games played. The decision was made, and the ladies came out determined to go home with at least one match in their favor. It almost took the entire first half to develop a successful approach, but the Pioneers rose to the occasion.In the thirty-first minute, Kristy Maholic found the feet of senior forward Miranda Smith, and Smith was able to place the ball skillfully into the net. Only three minutes later, outside midfielder Kate Matthai also found the feet of Smith, and again Smith found success. Thanks to the determined Northland defenders, Bethany Chatfield, Nicole Wung, Jen Spencer, Liz Tann, and Jo Paine, the Eagles were held scoreless with the final remaining in Northland’s favor, 2–0.