JOLIET, Ill. — IU Northwest women's soccer earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw on the road Tuesday night against Saint Francis (Ill.) behind a strong defensive effort and a goal from junior Erin Harrison.
The RedHawks (4-3-9, 2-2-6 CCAC) struck first in the 60th minute when Harrison found space inside the box and buried her fourth goal of the season to give IU Northwest the lead. The Fighting Saints (9-3-4, 6-2-3 CCAC) responded in the 80th minute, as Mia Ocana scored the equalizer on a long strike that slipped inside the post.
Goalkeeper Isabel Escalera was outstanding in net, posting 14 saves, including 10 in the second half, to keep the RedHawks in control for much of the night. IU Northwest finished with nine shots — five on target — and one corner kick, while Saint Francis fired 35 shots but managed just one goal against a resilient RedHawks defense.
IU Northwest continues its road stretch Saturday, Oct. 25, with a 1:30 p.m. matchup at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wis.