By Journal Sports Staff

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team scored twice in the final 15 minutes but it wasn’t enough to avert a 3-2 loss to Winona (Minnesota) State in the Wildcats’ home opener at the NMU Soccer Field on Friday afternoon.

The Warriors (1-1) scored the game’s first three goals, then held off the furious late Northern rally.

NMU’s first goal came with about 15 minutes left following a shot by freshman Brenna Musser. A subsequent goal kick went across the field, giving Northern a throw-in deep inside Winona territory.

The throw-in went to the middle of the field as NMU junior Andrea Sekloch headed the ball toward the right side of the net, where freshman teammate Evelyn Flor beat the WSU goalkeeper to the ball and knocked it in. This was Flor’s first NMU goal and Sekloch’s first assist this season.

Then with eight to nine minutes left, Wildcats sophomore Caroline Halonen was fouled, setting up a free kick that she knocked into the Winona box, where junior Isabela Cardosa headed the ball in. This also marked Cardosa’s first goal and Halonen’s first assist of the season.

Sophomore goalkeeper Brianna Frontuto finished with five saves.

Northern (1-2) remains home for a 1 p.m. Sunday nonconference game against GLIAC foe Northwood at the NMU Soccer Field.

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