Courtesy of Midland Athletics
ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Midland University traveled to Orange City, Iowa, to take on Northwestern College on Saturday evening in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. The Warriors started strong, scoring two quick goals and leading 2-1 at halftime. However, the Red Raiders rallied in the second half to secure a 3-2 victory on their home turf, handing Midland its first loss of the season.
Midland struck first in the 14th minute when NaTaija Blaylock launched a long-range shot that found the back of the net. Eleven minutes later, Aminata Lewis weaved through the Red Raiders’ defense to double the lead, making it 2-0 in the 25th minute. Northwestern responded in the 29th minute to get on the scoreboard, but Midland held on to a narrow 2-1 advantage at halftime.
After the break, the Red Raiders tied the match in the 51st minute with a goal. Both teams exchanged shot attempts as the game progressed, but Northwestern gained the upper hand in the 85th minute, scoring off of a set piece from the corner to take a 3-2 lead. The ball ricocheted off the Midland defense and into the back of the net for an own goal.
The Warriors battled until the final whistle, with a last-second shot in the 90th minute, but the Red Raiders’ goalkeeper made a crucial save, sealing the outcome.
“Despite the loss tonight, we will learn from our mistakes and continue to build on our strengths as we prepare for Wednesday.” commented head coach Keri Heedum.
Midland (0-1-1, 0-1-1 GPAC) will host Doane (3-5-1, 1-0-1 GPAC) in a conference matchup next Wednesday. The match is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start at Heedum Field in Fremont, Nebraska on September 25.
