Green Bay women fall to Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Wisconsin-Green Bay women’s soccer team suffered a 3-1 loss to Big 12 opponent Nebraska in its non-conference finale Friday night at Nebraska Soccer Field. The Phoenix falls to 2-8-2 (0-2-1 Horizon League) with the loss, while the Cornhuskers improve to 6-2-3 (0-1-1 Big 12) following the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

Green Bay’s lone score came on a Nebraska own-goal in the final 30 seconds of the match. The Cornhuskers held a 24-4 advantage in shots in the contest, as well as an 8-0 advantage in corners.

The Phoenix kept the home team off the scoreboard until the 33rd minute when Nebraska’s standout freshman forward Morgan Marlborough scored from the top of the penalty box on an assist by sophomore Blair Slapper. It was Marlborough’s nation-leading 16th goal of the season.

It looked as though the Huskers were going to take just a one-goal lead into halftime, but Nebraska’s junior forward Michaella Fulmer found the back of the net from 15 yards out in the final minute of the first period to push the score to 2-0.

Nebraska’s third goal came just four minutes into the second period when senior defender Anna Caniglia netted her first goal of the season following an over-pass from classmate Shay Powell.

Green Bay engineered a couple of decent scoring threats throughout the contest, but was unable to get anything by Nebraska goalkeeper Jessica Mills, who made three saves. Phoenix freshman Mikayla Clark (Eden Prairie, Minn.) led Green Bay with a pair of shots, including one on goal.

A trio of goalies split time in the net for the Phoenix during the match, as sophomore Maddie Drusch (Appleton, Wis.) made the start and played the first 45 minutes, making five stops and allowing two goals. Two freshman keepers – Aliena Debelak (New Brighton, Minn.) and Jennifer Sturchio (Rochester, Minn.) – each saw action in the second period.  Debelak made a career-high four saves in 33 minutes.

The Phoenix has a week off before returning to Horizon League play next Friday against Youngstown State at 7 p.m. at Santaga Stadium. Friday’s match kicks off a three-game home stand, as Green Bay hosts Cleveland State next Sunday at noon, followed by an Oct. 16 meeting against Wright State at 7 p.m.