Audrey AlbertsAudrey Alberts
Mary Grace Grabill/Northwestern Athletics

Northwestern Draws Kent State 1-1 in Home Opener

EVANSTON, Ill. — Three days after taking on the nation's top ranked squad in Durham, Northwestern opened its home slate on Sunday afternoon with a 1-1 draw against Kent State at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Sophomore forward Kennedy Roesch scored in the 76th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, but Kent State defender Allison Collins equalized less than three minutes later to split the result.

Roesch, who didn't record a shot during the team's 3-0 loss at No. 1 Duke on Thursday, extended her career tally to a team high eight goals with her second of the season. 

The forward's conversion came off high pressure in the attacking third, with Liz Cardwell recording the assist. Roesch needed just one touch before she set her feet and sent the go-ahead effort into the back of the net.

While Northwestern posted three shots on goal in the first half to Kent State's none, Golden Flashes goalkeeper Leah Shaffer kept the 'Cats at bay in the opening 45 minutes. The Wildcats boasted the more dangerous first-half chances, but both teams headed into the half tied at 0-0.

Coach Michael Moynihan's group outshot Kent State 16-5, including a 7-1 advantage on shots on goal, but the Golden Flashes capitalized on their lone attempt on target.

Northwestern, which played its first three contests on the road prior to Sunday's home opener, will be back in action Thursday night at Milwaukee. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT, with streaming on ESPN+.