Michigan Tech forward Jordan Noble attempts to get the ball from a Saginaw Valley State defender during a game Thursday at University Center, Michigan. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University)

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team was on the wrong side of a three-goal second half, dropping a 2-1 decision at Saginaw Valley State on Thursday afternoon.

“Another tough loss especially when I felt we had some of the better chances to score. Their goalkeeper came up huge on multiple occasions and helped keep us out of the net. While we didn’t get the win there are still positives out of this game,” Huskies coach Melissa Kuhar said. “I loved our response after we gave up the first goal. Proud of our group for adapting when we changed up formations a bit and their ability to still keep creating chances. We need a solid finish to the regular season Saturday and then we head into the postseason where anything is possible!”

After a scoreless first period showcasing 12 total shots, seven by Michigan Tech (6-10, 4-9 GLIAC) and five by Saginaw Valley State (8-5-4, 6-3-4 GLIAC), the two teams combined for three goals in five minutes to start the second half.

The Cardinals won a battle at midfield and advanced the ball to Stephanie Strong, using her speed to streak down the far sideline and trickle a centering pass to Kaley Douglass, with her shot going over Barrows and into the back of the net with under four minutes played in the second period.

Michigan Tech answered with an equalizer not even two minutes later, after drawing a foul deep in the Cardinals zone, translating into a penalty kick. Senior defender Emilie Clayton, who netted a penalty kick in the final home game of the season, once again got her name called for the PK. Garbarz made the initial save, but Clayton followed her shot and was the first player back to the ball, tying the game at 1-all in the 51st minute.

Just over a minute later, Saginaw Valley once again used a takeaway at midfield to get off to the races. This time, Strong was the one on the breakaway. A through ball by Madi Bajis found Strong just outside the 18 before she fired a shot with her left foot past Barrows, finding the low right corner to take the 2-1 lead.

The Huskies posted four more shots on goal and two corner kicks in the ladder stages of the match but could not find the equalizer.

Veteran Kiersen Korienek registered a team-high six shots, with one on goal as Emilie Clayton and Julia Pietila each recorded two shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Bri Barrows faced 18 shots, making three saves.

Stephanie Strong led the Cardinals offensively with seven shots, four on goal to go with a goal and an assist. SVSU goalkeeper Laieny Garbarz made six saves, facing 17 shots.

UP NEXT

The Huskies have a tall task in the regular season finale traveling to No. 17 Grand Valley State on Saturday at 1 p.m.