Parkside 2, Northern Michigan 1
It took 20 minutes for Northern Michigan to find the opening goal and the lead. However, it only took three minutes for the Rangers to respond with two goals, taking the game 2-1.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Wildcats were on the attack early, and they made no mistake in the 21^st minute when a crossed ball from Caroline Halonen found Jamie Montgomery, who put the ball in the back of the net. Despite trailing, it didn't take long for Parkside to respond, as junior Delaney Benich scored a long-range goal right off the kick-off from the Northern Michigan goal. The second Ranger goal came in under three minutes from the previous, when a cross into the box hit a Wildcat defender's hand. Parkside was awarded the penalty and senior Kaylee Siegel stepped up to take it. Siegel ran up and calmly put it away to give the home team the 2-1 lead. The two teams battled throughout the remaining 65 minutes, but the 2-1 score held, giving the Rangers the win.
 
HEAR FROM COACH NIKOLIC
"Although we were disappointed to concede the first goal, our response was fantastic," said head coach Brittany Nikolic. "The second half wasn't the prettiest but considering the weather I'm very pleased with how we competed for the win."
 
STATWORTHY
Benich was responsible for the Rangers first goal, which was assisted by freshman Makyla Severson. Siegel delivered the second for Parkside. Benich, Siegel and senior Jazmin Castanon put the most pressure on goal with three shots each. Senior keeper Adrianna Bratel had a standout day with seven saves for Parkside.

The teams were fairly even matched on the day, which showed in the stat sheet. Parkside took 13 shots with seven on goal, while Northern Michigan took 14, with eight on goal. Parkside committed seven fouls, whereas Northern Michigan committed nine.
 
OTHER NOTES
Saturday's match was a wet one, as rains were scattered throughout, threatening to postpone the match. Saturday also marked Parkside Athletics' Bark in the Park event as fans enjoyed some Ranger women's soccer with their furry friends.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Rangers will head to Marquette, Mich. to finish the home-and-home on Friday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. While in Michigan, the team will swing over to Michigan Tech and take on the Huskies on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.