Box Score

Freshman Christine Najjar's fifth tally of the season wasn't enough for the Malone University women's soccer team (3-2-1, 1-1 GLIAC) on Sunday afternoon as they dropped a hard-fought 2-1 decision to Northwood University (MI) (2-1-1, 2-0 GLIAC).

Similar to the game against Saginaw Valley State (MI) University on Friday, the Pioneers were once again the first to concede. Jessica Flores' goal in the 24th minute gave the Timberwolves a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Still following Friday's script, the Pioneers evened the score behind a Najjar goal in the 56th minute. Najjar put her composure on full display, controlling a missed clearing attempt from the Timberwolves and firing over the keeper's head.

Unlike their last game, however, Malone could not capitalize on the momentum. Northwood silenced the home fans by scoring just a mere 12 seconds after Najjar's goal to gain the lead.

Malone would fight until the end. The hosts received hope when Northwood's defender Alyssa Tomassi was shown a second yellow card in the 73th minute, giving Malone a man advantage for the last 17 minutes. However, a Brianna Smith shot in the final minute was the closest the Pioneers would come to the equalizer as they suffered their first GLIAC loss of the season.

Northwood outshot Malone 13 to 9 for the game. Sophomore Staci Hackett made six stops for the Pioneers compared to three for the Northwood keeper. Najjar's four shots once again led the Pioneers, while Smith and senior Ally Smith added two of their own.

Malone will be off until Friday, September 27th, when they travel to Lake Erie College for a 7:00 match.