MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead soccer turned in one of its most cohesive efforts of the 2024 season on Sunday afternoon against a talented Bemidji State squad. The Beavers connected on a pair of tough goals to take the match, 2-0. 

Defense would rule the opening portion of the first half as neither team would allow much action in the other's penalty zone. Dragon goalkeeper Rylee Truslow made the match's first save just ahead of the 10th minute to keep the contest scoreless. The Beavers would continue to get looks at the net, but would not be able to come close to the goal on the attempts. MSUM's offense would look cohesive in the first half, moving the ball into the attacking zone with nice touches and passes. Mary Cox, Marin Hensley, Blayke Hurley and Sophie Thompson would all register shots, but none would land on net.

Truslow would stall another Bemidji State attempt on net in the 13th minute and would limit the Beavers again after an attempt in the 28th minute. Madalynn Hopkins would register MSUM's first shot on goal in the 35th minute with a low shot that was saved by Beaver keeper Sonia Alfieri. Near the end of the first half, Bemidji State would play a throw in that would help them move into the penalty box. Bemidji State would attempt a shot that was blocked by a diving Truslow, but the net would be left unattended on a rebound. A second Beaver shot was turned away by Mason Kimble, before the ball pattered around and finally found the goal. The lone Beaver score would hold through 45 minutes. Despite taking 17 attempts, only four of the Beaver shots were registered on goal.

Bemidji State would come out of the break with a renewed sense of speed and accuracy on offense as they would test Truslow in the 49th minute. Truslow made a solid low save to keep the deficit at one goal. Much like the first half, Bemidji State would have nice chances at the net, but would either overplay their shot or hit the ball at an awkward foot angle. Neither team would have a shot on net before the 64th minute when Becca Cook took the ball from a Beaver defender and sprinted up the sideline. Cook would fire a rope towards the net that would pass Alfieri and looked destined for the net. Unfortunately for Cook, the ball careened off the left post and trickled away from the net. Bemidji State would have two chance on net in the 69th and 71st minutes, with both being stopped by Truslow. 

While the Dragon defense continued to stall the potent Beaver offense, it would not last for long. In the 79th minute, Maggie Kramer would clear a ball nicely along the sideline, finding teammate Madisen Fritel. The forward would push towards the goal and fire a shot that was tipped by Truslow, but would eventually land in the back of the net. The late goal proved to be too much for the Dragons to overcome as Bemidji State held on by a 2-0 count. 

Up Next

MSUM (1-9-2, 1-6-1 NSIC) will be on the road next weekend for matches against St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth. The weekend begins against the Huskies in a 6 p.m. contest on Friday, October 18.