The Northern Illinois University women’s soccer team was defeated, 3-0, against Buffalo on Sunday. NIU (6-3-3, 0-2-2 MAC) recorded eight shots on goal while Buffalo (8-1-2, 3-1-0 MAC) had seven in the game. Both teams attempted 13 shots.

“I was pleased with the team’s effort,” NIU head coach Michael O’Neill said. “We created some chances and had two balls hit off the line and forced their keeper made some great saves. They capitalized on their chances and we didn’t, besides that the game was even. They had more quality in the moments that mattered.”

Buffalo found the net twice in the first half to push ahead. The Huskies forced chances on goal but were unable to get on the board.

The Bulls found the net in the 14th minute as Jasmine Guerber scored to take the lead.

In the 39th minute, Kelsi McLaughlin (Greenfield, Ind./Illinois State), Tyra King (Menifee, Calif./Matea Valley) and Lea Gruennagel (Homburg, Germany/Saginaw Valley State) all put the ball on frame but were turned away.

The Bulls countered and doubled their lead in the 40th minute with a goal from Arianna Zumpano.

In the second half, Zumpano added another one in the 73rd minute to make the game 3-0.

The Huskies created more chances on net in the closing moments but Buffalo goalkeeper Lexie Thompson preserved the shutout as she finished with eight saves in the contest.

Huskie goalkeeper Ary Purifoy (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) made four saves in the match.

NIU will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 5 as it travels to Bowling Green, Ohio to take on the Falcons. The game is set for a 12 PM CT kickoff.

“The longer break before the (next) game is much needed,” O’Neill said. “This serves as a good point in the season where we can refresh. We will pick back up and prepare for the game on Saturday. It comes at a great time for us and we will use it to the maximum.”