Final Stats

WATERLOO, Iowa - A goal by Sarah Brandt in overtime completed a comeback for Northern Iowa as it defeated the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team, 2-1, this afternoon at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex in Waterloo, Iowa. The Panthers improve to 6-7-3 (1-2-1 Missouri Valley) with the win, while the Ramblers slip to 4-11-1 (1-2-1 Missouri Valley).

Following an early save by goalkeeper Monica Gonyo, Katie Grall put the Ramblers on top inside seven minutes on a cool, overcast day in Northeastern Iowa. The freshman out of Waukesha, Wis. headed a cross from Monika Lee into the back of the net to give the Maroon & Gold a 1-0 advantage. Loyola looked to double its lead in the 25th minute when Jessica Bean and Grall had chances in rapid succession, but Whitney Blunt, the Panther netminder, was up to the task, stopping both shots. Haley Keirns fired wide of goal for Northern Iowa in the 39th minute on what proved to be the final chance of the opening stanza for either team as the Ramblers took a one goal lead into the halftime break.

Sarah McHugh came close to drawing the hosts level in the 52nd minute when her shot rung off the crossbar. The game continued to open up, with both teams having their chances. Cat Kent forced a save out of Blunt in the 67th minute before Charlotte Jones' bid for an equalizer sailed high of goal in the 73rd minute. It turned out to be only a matter of time for the Panthers as Maggie Riley rifled home a loose ball in the box to knot the game up at 1-1 in the 80th minute. Loyola had a trio of chances to find a late winner in the final four minutes of regulation but was unable to put a shot on target.

Overtime featured a chance for both Loyola and Northern Iowa with the latter proving to be the deciding tally. After Bean headed over the crossbar in the 92nd minute, Brandt punched a Jones delivery past Gonyo to give the Panthers a comeback victory in the 96th minute, sending Loyola to its second overtime defeat in as many games.

The Ramblers are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 25, when they take on the Missouri State Bears. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Springfield, Mo.