KENOSHA, Wis. – The Parkside women's soccer team broke through for its first win of the 2025 season and first GLIAC victory on Sunday afternoon, edging Northern Michigan 2-1 in a tightly contested battle at Wood Road Field.

The Rangers (1-3-2, 1-0-1 GLIAC) opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to a well-designed sequence on the left side. Emily Slye delivered a quick throw-in near the attacking third that Ava Rizzitano collected and skillfully maneuvered around a defender before sending a driven through the box. The ball found the foot of Kayden Schmidt on the right edge, and the sophomore buried her shot inside the far post for her first goal of the season to give Parkside the early lead.

Northern Michigan (1-2-3, 1-1-0 GLIAC) responded in the 26th minute after a chaotic sequence inside the Rangers' box. Parkside goalkeeper Tristen Cross was whistled for a foul while challenging a breakaway and issued a yellow card. The Wildcats' Kenna Alexander stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty kick to even the match at 1-1.

The second half remained tense until the 55th minute when Lindsay Dahlinger provided the deciding goal. Positioned on the left side of the box, Dahlinger twisted past a defender, created space on her left foot, and delivered a stunning top-shelf strike from a tight angle for her first goal of the year. Emily Mikkelson tallied the assist as the Rangers regained the lead, 2-1.

Parkside's defense held strong the rest of the way despite Northern Michigan pressing forward in the closing minutes. Cross finished with nine saves, while the Rangers outshot the Wildcats 22-16 and each side recorded four corner kicks. NMU's Carly Sides stopped eight shots in the loss.

Parkside concludes its three-match homestand to open conference play back at Wood Road Field on Friday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. against Saginaw Valley State.

To keep up with all things Parkside Athletics, visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.