EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern had its six-game unbeaten streak in home openers snapped in a 1-0 loss to Syracuse on Thursday night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.Â
The Wildcats (0-2) held a 9-7 edge in shots and a 5-0 advantage in corners, but Syracuse (2-0-1) midfielder Abby Incorvaia converted from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to seal the victory for the Orange.
Northwestern controlled much of the play in a scoreless first half, outshooting the Orange 5-3 and drawing three corners in the first 45 minutes.
The ‘Cats continued to push for the breakthrough in the second half, nearly taking the lead on senior forward Megan Norkett’s 66th-minute shot that forced a save from ‘Cuse keeper Maya Naimoli to keep the Wildcats off the scoresheet.
.@megan_norkett turns and fires, but the Orange keeper preserves the deadlock. pic.twitter.com/qO2cTZQqJP
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) August 21, 2026
In the 90th minute, Syracuse was awarded a penalty kick after a video review. Incorvaia stepped up to the spot and delivered the game-winner, snapping NU’s six-game winning streak in home openers and four-game unbeaten streak on the lakefront.
After missing Northwestern’s season opener, sophomore goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson made a pair of saves in her return to action. Junior defender Olivia Elliott made her first career start as a Wildcat.
Northwestern stays home to take on Denver on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CT on B1G+. Admission to Northwestern soccer games at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is free all regular season long.