Green Nets Game-Winner at Parkside
KENOSHA, Wis. – The Michigan Tech soccer team bested Parkside 3-2 at the Wood Road Soccer Field, seeing freshman Brooke Green scoring the game-winning goal. Of note, the Huskies complete the series sweep with the road victory.
The Huskies sit in a tie for third in the conference with a GLIAC standing of 5-1-4 and 6-2-6 overall. Parkside falls to 5-6-2 overall and 2-6-2 in the loop.
"I am so proud of the team for doing everything they had to do to get the win today," head coach Turk Ozturk said. "Today's match was a little tricky and posed unique challenges, but we responded well and got it done. We saw three goals from three different contributors, which is always nice to see that level of teamwork. Cassie continues to find ways to get on the scoreboard. We saw a first goal of the season by Taylor, who showed some grit by sticking with an opportunity on a follow-up rebound. And we saw Brooke scoop up another rebound off a blocked shot to hit a beautiful long ball high into the net for the game-winning goal. The backline continued to demonstrate their consistency defensively.
"I was particularly pleased with Grace and Mikayla's performance. But really, it was another team effort today. Everyone contributed, from Julia up top, Seulgi and Jordan in the midfield, our bench and fans cheering us on, and the super-subs who are always willing and able to be the playmakers we need. We will enjoy this win today, but we will soon pivot to focus on Sunday's match against Purdue Northwest."
The first half showcased a back-and-forth affair, seeing both teams net two goals. Oddly enough, the two teams also posted eight shots and four corner kicks apiece. The Huskies posted six shots on goal while the Rangers four.
Parkside opened the scoring off its first corner kick of the game, finding Uda Kimba on the opposite side of the goal, delivering a header into the back of the net before the 10th minute of action.
The Huskies answered in a hurry, with the equalizer coming three minutes later after Taylor Noble followed her shot deep into Parkside territory before crossing the goal line to tie the game at 1-all.
Michigan Tech would also earn a goal off a set piece, with the duo of Grace Hoeppner and Cassie Bonifas, once again making a connection, as Bonifas scored a header off of the corner kick in the 23rd minute to take a 2-1 edge.
Hoeppner now has a career-high three assists this season.
The Rangers answered before halftime with a floater sent into the box from Adrianna Rodriguez, allowing Madi Kasianowicz to find a weak spot and deliver the ball into the low left corner of the net to tie the game.
The two teams battled in the second half, totaling 17 fouls in a physical 45 minutes, which showcased over a dozen shots.
Green notched the game-winner in the 53rd minute, going top shelf from just outside the 18 to earn her second goal of the season.
Parkside was desperate to find another goal, posting six shots after Green's goal. However, the Rangers only placed one shot on goal down the stretch.
Julia Pietila was persistent on the attack, leading the Huskies with three shots on goal.
Kimba posted two shots on goal for the Rangers.
Defensively, Gracie VanLangevelde made three saves in 90 minutes.
Bonifas has become lethal offensively, netting her fifth goal of the season.
Up Next
The Huskies will look to close the road weekend strong with a Sunday matinee at Purdue Northwest set for a noon start time.