Northern Michigan University women’s soccer player Calihan Bearden dribbles the ball during a Wildcats’ game played at the NMU Soccer Field in Marquette during the 2023 fall season. (Photo courtesy NMU)

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team slipped to 1-1 after the first weekend of the regular season following a 2-1 loss at St. Cloud State on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats were in danger of being shut out until senior defender Calihan Bearden scored the fourth goal of her career in the 82nd minute.

That came two days after NMU opened its season with a big offensive outburst in a 6-1 victory at Minnesota-Duluth.

On Saturday, Bearden collected a redirect from junior midfielder Angelina Perritano outside the 18-yard box and fired a strike to the net that St. Cloud goalkeeper Meriel Orham couldn’t flag down, according to a game account from NMU Sports Information.

But the host Huskies, who are also 1-1, had already established a 2-0 lead. Ellie Primerano got a crosser from Krysten Schuster and found the back of the net to break the scoreless tie in the 26th minute, according to NMU SI.

NMU had a great opportunity for the equalizer about five minutes later when Hannah Kastamo found fellow junior Justina L’Esperance at the back door, but a nice save from the Orham kept Northern off the board.

Despite trailing at halftime, the Wildcats held a 9-3 edge in shots in the first half.

NMU also controlled play to start the second half, but again couldn’t break through as Orham remained stout in net. The Huskies extend their lead to 2-0 in the 67th minute off of a free kick, according to NMU SI. Linsey Trapino used her left foot to send the ball to the far corner that just beat outstretched Northern netminder Jillian Thompson.

Bearden’s goal gave the Wildcats momentum and created additional opportunities for a late equalizer, but they couldn’t get the tying goal in.

Northern held big advantages of 18-4 in total shots and 9-3 in shots on goal. NMU also had all five of the game’s corner kicks, but Orham proved to be the difference, making eight saves as Thompson had one for the Wildcats.

NMU heads downstate to Midland to play a neutral-site game and then a road game later this week. The Wildcats face Ohio-based Cedarville University at 3 p.m. Thursday, then remain in Midland to take on Northwood at its field at noon Saturday.

Northern plays its first home game at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, at the NMU Soccer Field against Grand Valley State, which will also be the Wildcats’ first GLIAC contest.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.