Northwestern downed Briar Cliff in women's soccer 2-1 Wednesday night, thanks to a golden goal in double OT by Jamise Retzlaff. The goal for Retzlaff was her first of the season, and couldn't have come at a better time for the Raiders, who improved to 7-0 in the GPAC. The 7-0 start by Northwestern has tied the school record for conference wins in a season and coach Buchholz's squad is off to the best conference start in the history of the women's soccer program.
Briar Cliff scored first in the match, scoring in the 25th minute, when Kristina Ruhlman found the back of the net after goalkeeper Kelley Salem slipped. The match stayed one to nil for over 40 minutes until Brittany Osborn beat the keeper on a Macy Rozeboom throw in. Rozeboom's throw in was played nicely by the Raiders and Osborn ultimately found net to even the score at one to one. Neither team scored the rest of the regulation setting up Northwestern's first overtime match.
The first overtime period featured two shots by the Raiders, both by Rozeboom, and one by the Chargers. Both of Northwestern's shots were high and unplayable by the Charger keeper, Briar Cliff's shot was on goal and sophomore keeper Salem was able to collect the save. The ten minute overtime saw no golden goal and the Raiders and Chargers headed to a second overtime period.
The second overtime period also featured two shots by the Raiders, both by Retzlaff. Her first shot was wide but in the 103rd minute, from 18 yards away, Retzlaff pivoted toward the goal and saw a lane leading to the back of the net. She executed the shot perfectly and beat the keeper to push Northwestern to 7-6 overall, the first time they have been over .500 this season. More importantly Northwestern moved to 7-0 in GPAC play. Northwestern, Midland Lutheran, and Morningside all are unbeaten in GPAC play.
Northwestern moved into the Region III rankings this week, the first time they have been ranked all season. Northwestern came in fourth, behind Midland Lutheran, Morningside, and Hastings. The Raiders will face Dana next, in a home match, on October 13th at the soccer complex in Orange City. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.
2007 media guide
