Sept. 2, 2008

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ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - A late Northern Michigan goal allowed the Wildcats to slip by the Flyers 1-0 in a non-conference women's soccer game on Tuesday afternoon.

Both squads played solid defense, limiting scoring chances on a sweltering afternoon. Northern Michigan had one of their best scoring chances midway through the second half. Ashley DeKeyser broke away down the middle of the field. As she dribbled the ball into the box, she paused to try to gain an angle on Lewis goaltender sophomore Megan George. DeKeyser's hesitation was just enough for a hustling junior Jessica McNamara to chase her down and regain possession, thwarting a Wildcats' attempt.

George helped herself several times by aggressively defending the goalie box. In the first half George jumped high in the air to catch a Northern Michigan corner kick that was inches away from connecting with a Wildcats' header attempt. In the second half she twice controlled two crosses that entered the goalie box.

She was helped out by a Lewis defense that limited the Wildcats to just two shots on goal, and none in the first half. On Northern Michigan's first shot on goal, six minutes into the second half, it was George again making a nice play. This time she moved to her left to make a diving save and keep the game scoreless.

But Northern Michigan would only need one more shot on goal to win. At 75:57 Northern Michigan's Meghan Sarna found the upper most top of the net on a free kick from just outside the top of the penalty box. A late Lewis surge couldn't find the back of the net.

The Flyers held a six to three edge in corner kicks. Northern Michigan improves to 2-1, the Flyers are now 1-1

The Flyers return to action on Sunday against Ferris State at noon.