The Northwestern women’s soccer team traveled to Concordia for a semifinals match as part of the GPAC women’s soccer tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 7. In a well-played game by both teams, the NW Raiders would came up short, losing to the Bulldogs 1-2.
The atmosphere at the Concordia Soccer Complex was full of life and sounds from kickoff to the final whistle. Both teams would have a variety of shots at the goal including attempts by senior Madison Bertman and sophomore Elise Arant. The first goal of the night, however, would come from the Bulldogs during the 44th minute. Concordia used a corner kick to get the ball into play and a header from blue placed the ball past senior goalie Naomi Schimmel. The lead by Concordia didn’t last long: in the same minute NW took the ball down the field where Concordia would draw a foul in the goalie box setting NW up for a game-tying penalty kick by junior Sarah Beaton.
The second half started off 1-1 with both teams hoping to break the tie and take the match. Once again both teams went back and forth taking shots at each other’s goals. Nearly an hour into the game, Concordia took the lead with another goal past Schimmel, who made five saves that night. The rest of the period would go scoreless for both teams. NW had a few late game shots on goal from junior Jessi Carver and sophomore Nikky Farnsworth.
Senior Tamra Wielenga expressed her thoughts about the end of the season:
“The team had been doing really well so there seemed to be no end in sight,” she said, “the idea of nationals was so realistic that when we lost I was so shocked it was actually over.”
Wielenga graduates this year along with nine other seniors.
“It was extremely sad being in the locker room after the game and taking off my jersey and cleats,” she said, “I took them off so fast and after the fact realized I would never wear them again. I was tempted to put it all back on and just sit there for a little bit”
The women’s soccer team ends the season with a record of 11-6-3 (5-3-2 in GPAC play).
