MARQUETTE – Northern Michigan University’s home opener in women’s soccer didn’t go as planned Tuesday.

The Wildcats suffered a 1-0 loss to Bemidji State (Minnesota) at the NMU soccer field adjacent to the Superior Dome.

In the 52nd minute, Bemidji’s Sarah Stram took a pass from Christine Szurek in the box and sent it to the back of the net.

Stram’s score came shortly after the teams traded prime scoring opportunities.

In the 49th minute, NMU’s Helen Kiilunen came up with a Hailey Beyrand corner kick in traffic and sent a bouncing shot toward the net, but Bemidji goalkeeper Anna Fobbe was there to make the save.

Less than a minute later, Wildcat goalkeeper Alexandra Simmons was forced to make a save on a point-blank Stram shot to keep the Beavers off the board.

The Wildcats (0-3) had a chance to force overtime late when Carmen Villarruel was able to walk in on Fobbe uncontested. But the goalkeeper was able to corral the ball before Villarruel could get a shot off.

NMU outshot Bemidji, 12-9, and held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks. Killunen, Villarruel and Paula Hafner tied for the team lead with two shots each.

Fobbe made 10 saves to earn her second win of the season, while Simmons recorded three saves in the losing effort.

NMU is now 6-4 all-time against Bemidji State.

The Wildcats return to action at 2 p.m. Sunday at Minnesota-Duluth.

Information compiled by Senior Sports Writer Craig Remsburg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251, or via email at cremsburg@miningjournal.net.