NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's soccer team was unable to take advantage of early scoring opportunities in a 3-0 loss to Northwestern on Saturday.

The Knights controlled stretches of the first half, finishing with seven shots (five of which were on goal), but were unable to capitalize on several good chances as the two teams went into the half tied 0-0.

The Eagles would take control in the second half, out-shooting the Knights 15-3 and holding the play in the MLC end for long stretches.

UNW opened he scoring in the 48th minute when an MLC defender knocked an Eagle corner kick into the net for an own goal.

The Knights battled, but the Eagles were able to break through the MLC defense with two more goals in the final ten minutes to put the game away.

Julia Barthels stopped eight of 11 shots in goal for MLC.

Jenna Maurer and Hailey Johnson each finished with three shots to lead the Knights.

MLC fell to 2-6-1 overall and 1-2-1 in UMAC play in defeat. UNW improved to 5-3 on the season and 3-1 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Thursday, October 1, when they travel to Northwestern to play a non-conference game scheduled to start at 6 p.m.