ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team was defeated 4-1 by the University of Northwestern in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon in St. Paul, Minn. Despite the loss, the Cougars qualified for the UMAC Tournament for the first time since the 2021 season.
 
The Eagles finished the regular season with a 10-5-2 overall record and a 9-1-2 mark in the UMAC, while the Cougars wrapped up at 5-11-3 overall and 4-6-2 in conference play. Minnesota Morris secured the fourth seed in the UMAC Tournament.
 
"First half today we didn't attack the game plan well," said head coach Emma Morris. "We were very disjointed and couldn't get much going offensively. In the second half, I thought for a decent stretch we were playing better soccer. Kudos to Caitlin Lau on a beautiful goal and to Zivi (Ziviara Cordova) for the assist. Overall, very proud of this group and excited for the opportunity at a post-season run. Obviously, it would be great to go in as underdogs and cause an upset on Wednesday! We'd love to have as many Cougar alumni, staff, students, friends, and family in the stands at Northwestern cheering us on!"
 
Northwestern struck early, scoring within the first five minutes of play. The Cougars struggled to generate chances and did not record a shot in the first half. The Eagles added another goal before halftime to take a 2-0 lead.
 
Northwestern extended its lead with a third goal in the 67th minute. On Minnesota Morris's lone shot of the match, Lau fired a strike from outside the box, beating the keeper to the far post to put UMM on the board. The Eagles added one more goal before the final whistle to secure the 4-1 victory.
 
Lau scored her first collegiate goal and earned her first collegiate points. Cordova assisted on the goal for her third assist of the season. In goal, CJ Frear-Boerner made nine saves.
 
Minnesota Morris begins UMAC Tournament play on Wednesday as they travel back to Northwestern for a 5 p.m. kickoff.