The Valpo soccer team wrapped the nonconference portion of its 2024 campaign on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-1 at Northern Illinois. The Beacons, who open MVC play Thursday evening at Brown Field, concluded the nonconference slate with a 4-4-0 record.

How It Happened

• The Huskies grabbed an early lead in the fifth minute on an unassisted effort from Kelsi McLaughlin.
• NIU's lead was 1-0 at halftime.
• NIU added a second goal in the 68^th minute, as Amber Best found the back of the net following a scramble in the box off of a free kick.
• Senior Addy Joiner (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton) pulled a goal back for the Beacons in the 71^st minute with an impressive strike, lining up a free kick from about 35 yards out and hitting a laser which the NIU goalie got her hands on, but was unable to keep out of the back of the net.
• Valpo was unable to find the equalizer, however, despite getting a pair of clean looks at goal in the final five minutes of play.

Inside the Match

• Valpo finished nonconference play at or above .500 for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
• This is the first season Valpo has not had a draw in the nonconference schedule since 2017. It is also the second time in program history all of its nonconference matches have been decided in 90 minutes — in other seasons without a nonconference draw, at least one such contest went to extra time.
• Joiner's goal was her fourth of the season. With 22 career goals, she now sits alone in fourth place in program history, while her 50 career points are just two shy of a tie for fourth all-time at Valpo.
• Freshman Hailey Wade (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) started in goal and made a pair of saves.
• Backs Anna Cup (Bartlett, Ill./South Elgin) and Ashley Trippeer (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central) played the full 90 minutes on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Thoughts From Coach Marovich

"We had a good nonconference schedule which challenged us in a lot of different ways, giving our group the chance to learn from each match."

"One thing we have to be on guard about going into MVC play is how we start matches. That's something we got caught on early today, which forced us to start to have to chase the game early on."

"We responded in a really positive way, especially with a much better second half. We had some really good chances in the last 45 and it was just unfortunate we didn't score them."

"The nonconference schedule provided the opportunity to grow and get ready for MVC play. We prepare now as we get to start that next journey of our season on Thursday."

Next Up

Valpo (4-4-0) starts the Missouri Valley Conference slate under the lights at Brown Field Thursday night when it takes on Indiana State. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.