MOORHEAD, Minn. -- A Parkside goal in the 84th minute marred a solid performance from MSU Moorhead soccer on Friday afternoon on their home pitch. The Rangers topped the Dragons 1-0 in a physical battle. 

The story of the first 45 minutes was the confident play of MSUM freshman goalkeeper Morgan Valvo. The West Fargo, N.D., native faced six shots on goal from an active Ranger offense, stopping all six shots. In total, both squads registered nine shots in the first half with the Dragons putting three on goal in the period. Jensen Seidel put a pair of shots on goal in the half, but both were stopped by Parkside keeper Izzy Guyer. Marin Hensley booted a shot from just outside the box that was also saved by Guyer. The squads went into the halftime break knotted at zero. 

In the final 45 minutes, it was more of the same from the two teams as the intensity and physicality of the match picked up. Morgan Bachelor made a pair of crucial tackles early in the half which kept a potential Parkside burst at bay for the time being. MSUM had potentially its best chance at a score in the 64th minute as Tabea Czech worked the ball into the Parkside box to a waiting Jensen Seidel. The sophomore ripped off a strike that had the power and accuracy to find net, but it was directed straight at Guyer. 

The Rangers would put themselves in front in the waning moments of the contest after an impressive goal from Alexis Baker found net from the left side in the 84th minute. Parkside scoped out any potential Dragon equalizer as the Ranger defense held tough in the final six minutes. MSUM would put four shots on goal in the second half, but would not be able to register the equalizing goal. Valvo had eight saves in her debut while Sara Alfrida Munk Nielsen would accrue the full 90 minutes for the third consecutive match.

Up Next

MSUM (1-2) is back on the road to close non-conference play against St. Cloud State. Kickoff from Husky Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m.