MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhed soccer was embroiled in a spirited affair on Friday evening in the annual Highway 75 Rivalry Rock game with Minnesota Crookston. The Dragons and Golden Eagles completed 90 minutes of action in a 2-2 tie. 

MSUM is now 6-3-2 in Highway 75 Rivalry Rock games as the Dragons will retain the traveling trophy thanks to the stalemate. 

It was the Dragons who would pick up the offensive pace in the early stages as Becca Cook would register the first shot on goal in the third minute. MSUM would earn a corner kick chance in the 15th minute that was led by the foot of Lilly Johnson. The junior striped a ball into a loaded box, finding Blayke Hurley, who would touch pass to Cook who found paydirt on a shot. For Cook, it is the first collegiate goal of her career while Johnson and Hurley garnered the double assist. Not long after, Minnesota Crookston would equalize with a goal in the 19th minute. 

The Golden Eagles would have a chance on goal in the 20th minute that required a phenomenal save by Quinn Carter. Throughout the remainder of the half, both teams would buckle down defensively and while the teams would fire off shots, none would find goal. After 45 minutes, the squads were tied at one goal each with MSUM leading the shot category with eight. The Dragons also controlled possession for most of the first half. 

Minnesota Crookston would get the first shot on goal of the second half on a hit that was saved by Carter. MSUM would push into the Golden Eagle zone shortly thereafter, earning a throw in at the 53-minute mark. Abbey Johnson would take the throw with the ball bouncing awkwardly and hitting a Golden Eagle hand. After a lengthy review, it was deemed that Minnesota Crookston committed the foul in the penalty box. Senior Sara Alfrida Munk Nielsen would be the Dragon taking the penalty kick with Nielsen scorching a low ball to the right for a goal. For Nielsen, it is the first collegiate goal of her career.

Nielsen would fire another rocket in the 56th minute that required a solid save from UMC's Jordan Metz. Carter would stop a pair of Golden Eagle attempts on net before the 74th minute. At that time, a miscommunication on the Dragon side led to an easy chance for Minnesota Crookton, which they took advantage of to score and even the count at two goals. Kraly Walker would have a great chance to give MSUM the lead in the 76th minute, roping a low shot that required a diving stop from Metz. 

MSUM had another near misfire in the 86th minute as Carter overplayed a ball, leaving the net open. Luckily for the Dragons, Minnesota Crookston would not take advantage. The last chance for either side came in the 87th minute when Izabela Flores had a breakaway on net with Metz punching the ball away, but Flores was able to recover with the net unprotected. Flores' attempt came at an awkward angle and sailed across the goal post. After 90 minutes, both squads were tied at two goals. 

Up Next

MSUM (1-8-2, 1-5-1 NSIC) is at home on Sunday to round out the weekend against Bemidji State. Kickoff is slated for noon from Nemzek Soccer Field.