CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI soccer team came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Valparaiso in a Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) match on Sunday at the UNI Soccer Field. After trailing for 63 minutes, the Panthers were able to tie the game in the final seven minutes.

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UNI outshot Valparaiso 18-11, with nine shots on goal compared to the Beacons' seven. Kailey O'Brien scored the Panthers' only goal with a free kick in the 83rd minute. Prior to the kickoff, a ceremony was held to retire the jersey of former goalie Anne Marie Witko, the program's first goalkeeper, who played from 2000 to 2003.

The match began slowly, with no shots recorded until the 13th minute when Morgan Smith put a shot on target for UNI. Valparaiso took the lead in the 20th minute when Sofia Raco scored a right-footed goal. Despite attempts from Shaelee Franck and Keira Bogott that were saved by the Beacons' goalkeeper Salange Bell, UNI was unable to equalize before halftime.

Valparaiso maintained offensive pressure early in the second half, forcing two shots on goal. However, the momentum began to shift towards UNI in the last 30 minutes. O’Brien's free kick in the 83rd minute leveled the score, allowing the Panthers to defend the tie and earn a point in the MVC standings.

Morgan Smith and O’Brien each led UNI with two shots on goal, while Torie Delgado, Aly Arena, and Audrey Still contributed one shot on goal each. Goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke made six saves during the match.

With the latest draw, UNI's all-time record against Valparaiso is now 6-7-3. This match extended UNI’s unbeaten streak against the Beacons to three, following two previous victories. O'Brien's goal marked the first of her collegiate career; she previously played three seasons at Youngstown State.

As the regular season approaches its conclusion with five matches remaining, the Panthers and Valparaiso are tied for sixth place in the MVC table, with the top six teams qualifying for the MVC Tournament.

Luedtke leads the MVC with 66 total saves this season, averaging 5.5 saves per match.

The Panthers will next face the Evansville Purple Aces on Thursday, Oct. 15, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville. Live coverage will be available on ESPN+. For updates throughout the season, follow UNI Panther Soccer on social media.