Minnesota-Duluth's Elaina Shromoff, left, and Northern Michigan University’s Alyse Daavettila jockey for position to get control of the ball during their game played at the NMU Soccer Field in Marquette on Sunday. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team moved off the schneid on Thursday, but it was in the wrong direction.

After tying its first two games, Northern lost at home to Northwood 1-0.

The Wildcats (0-1-2) remain at the NMU Soccer Field to complete a four-game, season-opening homestand when they host Cedarville at noon today. The Yellow Jackets from Ohio are the No. 6 team in the Midwest region that will be taken into account when the field for the NCAA Division II tournament is determined at the end of the season.

On Thursday, Midwest No. 5 Northwood improved to 2-0, its other win also 1-0.

With the game’s only goal coming not quite 12 minutes into the second half, the teams were relatively balanced before intermission with NMU netminder Jillian Thompson making two of her four saves.

The only goal all game came at the 56:54 mark when, after forcing a turnover in the Wildcat third, the Timberwolves’ Mari Jackson finished off a slick passing play, according to a game account from NMU Sports Information.

Though Northern finished with a 10-9 edge in total shots, the T’wolves won the shots on goal battle, 4-2. Each team had a single corner kick with Northwood whistled for four more fouls, 11-7, with no yellow cards handed out.

One of NMU’s best chances came early in the second half when defender Hannah Kastamo played a ball into the box. On a second touch after the ball bounced around there, forward Lily Senese turned and hit the ball from eight yards out that just went over the crossbar, according to NMU SI.

After the Timberwolves’ goal, Northern had a great chance to equalize it about 10 minutes later, as midfielder Gretchen Ellis played a ball into the box that found the foot of forward Christina Roberts. The latter began her shot but lost it when it rolled into the arms of NU goalkeeper Lindsay Jacob.

A few minutes later, Wildcats forward Madison Bilbia played a great cross that went untouched through the box.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing/previewing the games/meet. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.