DAYTON, OHIO — Northern Ky. and Wright St. played to a thrilling 2-2 draw Wednesday night, with the Norse mounting a second-half comeback to snatch a point on the road. Erykah Cornett scored twice for the visitors, including a crucial equalizer in the 77th minute that denied the Raiders a victory they appeared to have secured. The result leaves both teams searching for consistency as conference play intensifies.
Wright St. struck first through Mariella Hartmann in the 79th minute of the first half, capitalizing on a Northern Ky. defense that struggled to maintain shape early. The goal gave the home side a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime, but the lead proved fragile. Cornett answered for Northern Ky. in the 77th minute with a well-placed finish that sent the match toward a dramatic conclusion neither team could control.
The second half unfolded as a back-and-forth affair with both teams creating chances but neither able to establish dominance. Wright St. thought it had put the match away when Hartmann scored again in the 79th minute, extending the lead to 2-1 and seemingly positioning the Raiders for their second consecutive draw. But Northern Ky. refused to fold. Cornett struck again moments later to level at 2-2, setting up a frantic final stretch where both sides pressed for a winner that never materialized.
Northern Ky. controlled possession for stretches, recording 16 shot attempts compared to Wright St.'s 14, and earned seven corner kicks to the Raiders' two. The Norse also held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal, reflecting their aggressive approach throughout the match. Yet Wright St.'s defense, despite being tested repeatedly, managed to keep the game competitive until the final whistle.
Cornett's two-goal performance highlighted Northern Ky.'s attacking prowess, though the Norse couldn't convert their territorial advantage into a victory. Hartmann's brace for Wright St. showed the Raiders could threaten on the counter, even when under pressure. Ruby Dunlevy earned a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 81st minute, one of the few disciplinary moments in an otherwise clean match.
The draw extends Northern Ky.'s unbeaten streak to three matches. The Norse, sitting at 10-2-6 overall, remain one of the stronger programs in the region despite the inability to close out road contests. Wright St., now 7-6-5, has drawn consecutive matches and will look to find a way to convert pressure into wins as the season progresses.
Northern Ky. dominated the statistical battle with five saves to Wright St.'s three, though both goalkeepers made crucial stops when needed. The Raiders' defensive adjustments in the second half helped them weather the Norse's relentless attacking waves, even if they couldn't hold on for the victory.
The result leaves both teams with mixed feelings heading into their next fixtures. Northern Ky. will look to build on its strong record and convert road draws into wins, while Wright St. must find consistency after back-to-back stalemates. Neither team can afford many more dropped points if they hope to make a serious tournament push.