Late Rally Pushes No. 13 Michigan Past Northwestern, 2-1

Friday, October 24

Ann Arbor, Mich.

6 p.m. CT

Northwestern

6-5-3, 1-4-2

Michigan

9-2-3, 5-2-1

Northwestern

Michigan

Photo by: David Dermer/Northwestern Athletics

Late Rally Pushes No. 13 Michigan Past Northwestern, 2-1

10/24/2025 8:54:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Aaron O’Reilly nets third goal of the season in defeat

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (October 24, 2025) – Aaron O'Reilly scored his third goal of 2025, but Mitar Mitrovic's 87^th-minute penalty kick goal proved to be the difference as No. 13 Michigan (9-2-3, 5-2-1 B1G) rallied to hand Northwestern (6-5-3, 1-4-2 B1G) a 2-1 defeat this evening at the U-M Soccer Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.

How It Happened
Both sides struggled to generate chances as part of a tightly contested opening half-hour. Peter Riesz and Joe Suchecki both saw their efforts blocked across a span of just over three minutes.

O'Reilly made the most of the Wildcats' first attempt on target in the 32^nd minute. After being played down the right side by Riesz, the first-year calmly slotted past Michigan goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson at his far post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead they would carry into the intermission.

After assisting on O'Reilly's tally, Riesz made a bid for a goal of his own just seven minutes into the second half, drilling a right-footed blast that Goldson tipped just wide of goal. Rafael Ponce de León matched his counterpart at the other end of the field in the 56^th minute when he parried Grayson Elmquist's shot over the bar.

Following a goal in the 66^th minute from Elmquist that put Michigan back on level terms, 1-1, Alejandro Martinez Santamaria gained separation in the box, only to see Goldson deny his look at goal from close range. Ponce de León again provided an answer in short order, turning away Will Baker's point-blank header in the 74^th minute.

O'Reilly came dangerously close to getting back on the scoresheet in the 82^nd minute, unleashing a left-footed strike that was saved by a diving Goldson. Martinez Santamaria took aim for a potential winner two minutes later, but sent his shot from the edge of the 18-yard box narrowly over the bar.

Mitrovic would have the final say on the night when, following a Northwestern foul inside the penalty area, he converted from the spot to secure all three points for Michigan.

Looking At The Numbers
- O'Reilly netted his third goal of 2025 in the first half, while Riesz picked up his third career assist.
- Northwestern closed the night with a 7-5 edge in shots on goal.
- O'Reilly put two of his team-high three attempts on target.
- Ponce de León was credited with three saves in goal.

Up Next
Northwestern returns home to host No. 13 Indiana for Senior Night on Friday, October 31. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.