MOORHEAD, Minn. – On a cold day at Alex Nemzek Soccer Field, the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons hosted Northern State in an NSIC showdown.

The Dragons were unable to convert on an early shot by Katherine Adams to start the first half of play. The Wolves quickly answered with a shot that sneaked by goalkeeper Alison Wanner and gave the Wolves a quick 1-0 lead at 7:54. The Wolves kept applying the pressure but Wanner was up to the task, making two key saves that kept the Dragons with a score of tying the game.

The first half of the game was very physical, featuring only four shots and 11 fouls. At the end of the half the Dragons were behind on the scoreboard but the play of Wanner and physical play of the Dragons kept them within striking distance of tying the game.

At the start of the second half the Dragons forced the play on the Wolves, striking with seven shots and forcing three Wolves fouls. Wolves goalkeeper Dee Wood was in position and turned away the Dragon barrage. After a number of substitutions the Wolves took the ball down field after the Dragons barely missed several shots, including one that was blocked by a Wolves defender.

As the second half was nearing the halfway point, Alison Ramaeker went up for a ball and was pushed from behind, but the play did not draw a whistle and the Wolves took advantage by scoring their second goal of the game on a defenseless net at 73:27 of the second half. The Dragons tried to rally after Wanner made a save on the final Wolves shot of the game with two of their own but it was not enough as the Dragons fell short.

The Wolves improve to 5-4-5 on the season and 3-1-3 in the NSIC. The Dragons fall to 4-8-1 (1-7 in NSIC) and will remain at home as they hope to rebound against Minnesota-Crookston when they host the Golden Eagles at Alex Nemzek Field Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.