CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — UIC broke through in the 52nd minute to secure a 1-0 victory over UNI on Thursday, snapping the Flames' five-game losing streak with a crucial road win. Katelyn Nardulli's goal, assisted by Sophia Jaime, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup that saw the visitors weather sustained pressure from the home side throughout the second half.
The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a defensive battle with few clear-cut opportunities for either team. UNI generated early chances through Olivia Knoepfle and Caroline Hazen, while UIC countered with efforts from Riley Collett and Julia Thomson. The teams traded corners and free kicks, but neither goalkeeper faced serious trouble before halftime. The scoreline remained locked at 0-0 as both squads settled into a cautious rhythm.
UIC came out with renewed intensity after the break, and that aggression paid dividends just past the midway point of the second half. Nardulli capitalized on a setup from Jaime in the 52nd minute, finding the back of the net to give the visitors their first lead of the match. The goal energized UIC's defense, which had to absorb considerable pressure from UNI's attacking players over the final 40 minutes.
UNI mounted a determined response, with Macy Smith, Ella Ubben, and Denise Camarena all testing UIC's goalkeeper with shots from distance. The home side earned multiple corners and free kicks in dangerous positions, creating several moments of anxiety for the visitors. Despite the relentless attacking play, UNI couldn't find an equalizer, with most efforts sailing high or wide of the target.
The visitors' defense stood firm when it mattered most. UIC's backline, anchored by Hannah Gryzik and others, absorbed wave after wave of UNI pressure without breaking. The team's goalkeeper made three crucial saves to preserve the lead, while UNI's keeper managed eight stops in a losing effort. UIC's disciplined shape frustrated the home side's rhythm, particularly in the final 20 minutes when UNI's desperation grew.
Both teams received yellow cards for unsporting conduct—Sydney Bollis for UIC in the 51st minute and Sophia Hoffmann for UNI late in the match. The physical intensity never escalated into anything serious, though both sides competed fiercely for loose balls and positioning throughout the 90 minutes.
The statistical battle favored UNI in volume but not in efficiency. The home side attempted 14 shots compared to UIC's 15, but the visitors' clinical finishing made the difference. UIC managed four shots on goal to UNI's eight, yet needed only one to win. Corner kicks were nearly even at six for UIC and five for UNI, but neither team converted set-piece opportunities into goals.
This victory represents a significant boost for UIC, which improved to 7-7-4 overall and has now won consecutive matches after dropping their previous outing to Murray State. The Flames' road resilience could prove valuable as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. For UNI, the loss extended a troubling five-game skid. The Panthers, now 4-9-3, must regroup quickly as they search for consistency in the final stretch of their season.
UIC returns home to face their next opponent, while UNI will look to halt their slide in upcoming conference play. Thursday's result demonstrated that the Flames possess the defensive mettle to win tight matches on the road—a quality that could define their postseason hopes.