DEKALB, Ill.-The SIUE women's soccer team fell 1-0 at Northern Illinois Friday afternoon. The loss is the first of the year for the Cougars who had started the year on a six-game unbeaten streak.

"We're all upset because we lost," SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. "But we know we can play better than that. We just didn't play as good as we have been playing."

NIU's Shelbi Johnson scored the game's only goal of the game, in the 67th minute. Johnson took a free kick from Courtney Ksiazek and converted to the far post.

Burton said the Huskies were able to take advantage of a defensive lapse.

"We kind of overcommitted," Burton said. "We had a little bit of a letdown, and we really haven't had many this year."

The Cougars dropped to 5-1-1 with the loss, while NIU improved to 3-3-0.

Despite the loss, Burton said he saw some good things and was happy with the effort.

"Claire (Lovercheck) played well as she has all year," he said. "Devon Thomas played really really well and continues to lead by example, and Brittany Bodziak created some quality chances."

Lovercheck made four saves for the Cougars. Bodziak was one of three players who each had a pair of shots for SIUE. Both the Cougars and Huskies managed 11 shots for the game.

SIUE returns home to host UT Martin Sunday afternoon at Korte Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

"We're looking forward to coming home and playing Sunday," Burton said.