Norse Women look to keep momentum going against Toledo

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Colin Johnson

Forward Jessica Frey fights for the ball before it goes out of bounds. The Norse beat MSU 1-0.

The NKU women’s soccer team travels to Northwest Ohio tonight to face the University of Toledo tonight at 4 p.m.

The Norse come into the game 1-3, after winning their first game against Morehead State last Monday. Toledo is 1-2, and coming off a brutal 4-0 loss to the University of Louisville.

The Rockets beat the Norse 2-0 in last season’s matchup.

The Norse offense is looking to build off their 15 shot performance against Morehead State. Katelyn Newton scored the lone goal in that game, and is tied for the team lead in points with two.

“We know we will always get a tremendous game from Katelyn,” Head Coach Bob Sheehan said.

Meanwhile, last year’s team leader in goals has yet to find the back of the net so far this season. Jessica Frey leads the team in shots on goal (8) and in total shots (10), but continues to search for that first goal of the season.

“She’s put herself in great spots and has had some great opportunities,” Sheehan said. “The goals will start coming from her, it’s just a matter of time.”

Sheehan has seen improvement from Frey in other areas of her game as well, including her runs to the ball and facilitating for her teammates.

The Norse defense will face a Toledo offense that averages 2 goals per game, including a game where the Rockets scored 5 goals against Wagner.   

The Rockets are led by Isa Echeverri, who led the team in points and was an All-MAC second team player last season. She was also a member of the 2016 Colombia Olympic team in Rio and helped that team reach the knockout stage for the first time.

“They historically have been a really strong Division I program,” Sheehan said. “It comes down to the commitment of our defense.”

Injury Note: Ally Perkins was back on the field against Morehead State a week after a nasty collision with a UC defender in the second game of the season.
Macy Hamblin however has not played the last two games due to injury and is not expected to play in tonight’s game.
There is no timetable for her return.