GVSU - NMU Highlights

The No. 7 Grand Valley State women's soccer team scored a late goal to win a thriller against No. 23 and undefeated Northern Michigan. The Lakers move into first place in the GLIAC with the win, improving their record to 6-1-2, 4-0-1 in the GLIAC, while the Wildcats fall to 7-1-1, 4-1-0 in the GLIAC.
 
The Lakers got off to a fast start, scoring in the 13' minute on the first shot on goal of the game. Kennedy Bearden played a great ball to the top left side of the box where Taylor Reid was there to run it down and make a move past the charging goalkeeper to kick it home into the empty net. That goal was Reid's fifth of the season, while Bearden recorded her sixth assist.
 
In the 25' minute, Bearden played another great ball for Reid to run down just before the top of the box. Reid was running past the defender when she was tackled. The Northern Michigan defender received a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity and the Wildcats had to play down for the rest of the match.
 
The Lakers dominated most of the possession for the rest of the half but were unable to extend the lead. At the break the Lakers held a 1-0 lead, and the shots were even at three.
 
To begin the second half, the Lakers got off two shots in the first minute. Kennedy Metzger had her shot blocked followed by a shot on goal by Mackenzie Jones that was saved by the keeper. In the 46' minute the Wildcats tied the game on a hard shot from outside the box that went top left of the goal.
 
The Lakers took control with most of the possession after the game tying goal. GVSU out shot the Wildcats 13-1 in the final 43 minutes. In the 64' minute, the Lakers got three good chances with a shot from Ryann Fetty that was saved. Stephanie Sturgeon was there for the rebound her shot got blocked that went right back to Fetty who took a shot from just outside the box that went high.
 
The Lakers came through in the 88' minute to take a late lead. Stephanie Sturgeon hit the crossbar from just outside the box. Bearden was in great position for the rebound and made no mistake, getting the shot just past the goalkeeper in the short ride side of the goal. That goal was Bearden's fifth of the season and second game-winning goal of the season.
 
The Lakers out shot the Wildcats 18-6, 6-2 on goal and prevented the Wildcats from a single corner kick. Kendall Robertson started in net for the Lakers and made one save. Ryann Fetty and Mackenzie Jones led the Lakers with three shots apiece. Defender Cate Brown played all 90 minutes, while Reid saw 87 minutes of action. 
 
The Lakers will return home this Sunday when they host the Michigan Tech Huskies at 12:00 PM at the GVSU Soccer Field. Follow @GVSUSoccer for live in-game update and visit gvsulakers.com for links to live stats and video.