CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI soccer team battled through sloppy field conditions and relentless offensive attack from Belmont to earn its first victory of the 2026 season on Sunday at home in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.

The Panthers defense was persistent throughout the entire match, withstanding 17 Belmont shot attempts and 13 corner kicks from the Bruins. Ella Ubben notched UNI’s lone goal in the opening half with a career day from goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke for Northern Iowa’s first win in 358 days.

HOW IT HAPPENED

UNI maintained a steady offensive attack through the first twenty minutes of action, as Kailey O’Brien and Allison Flies both attempted one shot. Ubben eventually broke the scoreless tie in the 34th minute, connecting on a deep right-footed shot attempt to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Belmont recorded five shots on goal throughout the first half, as well as five corner kicks.

The Bruins recorded three shot attempts within the first ten minutes of the second half, but were unable to even the contest, despite a narrow shot in the box late in the game. UNI tried to maintain the momentum offensively, as Shaelee Franck recorded a shot in the 47th minute, while Ubben added another in the 80th. Belmont continued to apply pressure, which included eight additional corner kick attempts, while the Panther defense stood firm in the waning minutes.

Luedtke tied her career high with ten saves in goal in the victory. Ubben and Morgan Smith led UNI’s offense with one shot on goal attempt each. Franck and Ubben led the Panthers with two shot attempts each in the contest. 

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES


UNI improves to 4-1-2 all-time against Belmont, securing its first win in the series since 2023.
Sunday’s victory marks Northern Iowa’s first since Oct. 4, 2025 when the Panthers secured a 2-1 win at Valparaiso, and first home victory since Sept. 4, 2025 against St. Ambrose. The win also snaps a 14-game winless streak for UNI.
Ella Ubben’s 34th minute goal was her second of the season, the third of her career and first game-winning goal in her three-year career.
Hailey Luedtke’s ten saves in goal tied her career-high from her collegiate debut earlier this season against Omaha, tied for the most in a game since the 2021 spring season (Cailtin Richards). Luedtke leads the MVC with 52 total saves in net.

 

UP NEXT

The Panthers return to action next Sunday, Oct. 4 when they visit the Illinois State Redbirds in MVC action. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT at Adelaide Street Stadium in Normal with live coverage available on ESPN+.

 

UNI women’s soccer action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Panther Soccer), X (@UNI_Soccer) and on Instagram (@unipanthersoccer). Schedule and roster information, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.