Despite a stronger second half that saw the team control more of the ball, the University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team fell to Northern Michigan this afternoon with a final score of 5-1.

The Wildcats controlled the game early, forcing senior captain Sophia Grenz to make multiple saves in the first few minutes. Northern Michigan's first goal game in the 6th minute. The Wildcats doubled their lead in the 13th from a header off a corner. Their final three goals came in the second half -- two goals from a crowded box in the 50th and 82nd minutes and a converted penalty kick in the 56th. 

Freshman midfielder Emilia McGiffert scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs as the former Marshall Hilltopper notched her first collegiate goal in just her second-ever game for UMD. McGiffert's goal came from inside the box in the 62nd minute.

Both freshman Anna Tobias and sophomore Jackie Jares made their first collegiate starts in today's match. Seven Bulldogs recorded shots this afternoon, with forward Lauren Singstock leading the way with four total shots (2 SOG). Jares followed with three shots. Captain Holly Kaboord and Erin Walpole each had two, and Nora Griffin-Wiesner, Baamlak Haugen, and Emilia McGiffert each tallied one. Sophomore Emma Symalla also made her debut for the Bulldogs this afternoon.

The Bulldogs pressed in the second half, recording 11 of their 14 total shots after halftime and seven -- half of their total shots -- after the 60th minute. Lauren Singstock nearly made it 4-2 a minute after McGiffert opened the scoresheet for UMD, beating three Wildcat defenders, but their goalkeeper was able to save the ball and maintain their three-goal lead.

Goalkeeper Sophia Grenz would record 13 total saves in this afternoon's game.

The Bulldogs will return to Malosky to play an NSIC conference game for the first time in 672 days when they open their home schedule next Friday, September 10th, against Minot State. Kickoff will be at 6:00pm CT. See the full season schedule here.