The Aurora University women's soccer team took the Spartan Athletic Park pitch for their 2024 Homecoming match, as they honored Emma Delgado, Madison Hougan, Cassie Garcia, and Lauren Bliefernicht before the match for senior night. Saturday night also marked Alumni Day for and 30th anniversary for AU women's soccer, as the Spartans played to a draw with the Sabres of Marian University 2-2.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 2, Marian University 2
LOCATION: Spartan Athletic Park
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-8-1 overall and 0-3-1 NACC; Marian University 4-5-2 overall and 1-1-2 NACC


- AU saw an early opportunity when Arizbeth Sanchez struck one towards the goal, but was unable to convert.
- Lauren Bliefernicht struck one just 22 seconds later after AU regained possession in the offensive zone, but the Marian goalie layed out for the save.
- Cassie Garcia got the close shot on goal for the Spartans in the 32nd minute, but could not give AU the advantage. This kept the score knotted at zero.
- The match would remain scoreless going into the second half.
- In the 52nd minute, Marian scored the game's first goal.
- About the three minutes later, the Sabres scored again to hand AU a 2-0 deficit.
- The Spartans fought back late as Katie Leick bombed one that found Bliefernicht behind the Marian defense for the goal. This made it 2-1.
- AU saw a penalty kick off a Marian handball with less than four minutes to play, and McKenna Kunz easily netted the shot to tie the match at two.
- A save from AU goalie Melina Cane with just 1:40 to play kept the Spartans right with the Sabres 2-2.
- That 2-2 score would hold until the final buzzer, resulting in a draw for AU.


POINTS: Lauren Bliefernicht, McKenna Kunz and Katie Leick (1)
GOALS: Lauren Bliefernicht and McKenna Kunz (1)
ASSISTS: Katie Leick (1)
SAVES: Melina Cane (6)


Next scheduled action for the Spartan women's soccer team comes on Wednesday, October 2 when they host Rockford University. Opening draw scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park.