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MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University women’s soccer team took the field for the first time under new head coach Erin Egolf, battling the Marquette United Under-18/Under-16 boys team in a friendly spring opener at the Superior Dome on Sunday.

While NMU ultimately fell 3-2, the match served as an important first step in Egolf’s tenure, offering a glimpse into what’s ahead for the Wildcats.

Egolf was named head coach in late February after Jon Sandoval stepped down in December following a highly successful five years at the helm, earning GLIAC Coach of the Year the past two seasons when the Wildcats won the conference regular season and earned berths to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Northern Michigan University women’s soccer players celebrate after tying their scrimmage 2-2 in the third period of a spring soccer scrimmage played against the Marquette United boys’ team on Sunday in the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Sandoval left for Division I Loyola University of Chicago, while Egolf comes from a Division I program in the same state, Illinois State.

She was an assistant coach there last season, when the Redbirds had their most successful season since 2018 last fall. Previous to that, she spent nine years as head coach at the University of Springfield in Division II and took her team to Great Lakes Valley Conference tourney berths three times.

Saturday’s scrimmage with Egolf’s new team was split into three 30-minute periods, giving both squads extended opportunities to find their footing.

Marquette United struck first, wasting little time as it jumped ahead 1-0 within the opening 10 minutes. MU doubled its lead early in the second period, during the 39th minute overall, on an odd-man rush, making it 2-0.

The Wildcats fought to respond but couldn’t find the finishing touch, with their best chances turned away. NMU’s goalkeeper came up big to keep the game close, denying Marquette United from capitalizing on a late corner kick that clanged off the crossbar.

This is new Northern Michigan University women’s soccer head coach Erin Egolf. (Photo courtesy NMU)

Then in the third period, NMU’s offense broke through. The Wildcats got on the board in the 62nd minute, cutting its deficit to 2-1. Gaining momentum, NMU struck again in the 71st minute, hammering home a rebound off a corner kick to knot the game 2-2.

The Wildcats pressed for the go-ahead goal, but instead Marquette United answered back in the 82nd minute, retaking the lead. NMU had chances in the closing minutes, including a shot off the crossbar, but couldn’t find the equalizer as Marquette United held on for a one-goal win.

With the spring season underway, Egolf is focusing on evaluating her roster and building chemistry.

“We did lose a lot of seniors, a few transfers as well, so the team will probably look a lot different in the fall, and that’s OK,” she said in her NMU introductory press conference. “But this is a place where you can have a lot of success on the field, and additionally, they’re going to get a great education and be set up for life after here.”

Egolf is no stranger to the Division II level, and she understands the challenges ahead but sees NMU as a program ready to stay competitive.

“The Midwest region, I think we know, is really tough,” she said. “For me as a coach, I want to beat the best, and there’s some of the best in our region.”

NMU will continue its spring slate with a pair of trips to Green Bay, Wisconsin, facing Wisconsin-Green Bay and Marquette University on March 29, followed by matchups against UW-Stevens Point and Michigan Tech on April 5. The Wildcats close out their spring schedule with a rematch against Marquette United at noon on Sunday, April 13, in the Superior Dome.

Despite the opening loss, NMU showed promise as they adjust to Egolf’s system. The spring season is about growth and preparation, with the Wildcats aiming to hit their stride before the fall campaign begins.

“Starting over is not where this program is at,” Egolf said. “This fall will be a rebuild … but I know we can bring in good players, good students and good people that will help continue to push this program forward.”

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.