KEARNEY, Neb.  – MSU Moorhead concluded non-conference play on Sunday afternoon as the Dragons fell to Nebraska Kearney, 5-0. 
 
"Proud of the effort and energy on display today against a team unlucky to not be regionally ranked," said head soccer coach Scott Forster. "The first half showed we can compete. It's now about extending that."

It was the Dragons who would open the match with a sense of urgency on offense as freshman Madalynn Hopkins looked to build on her goal from Friday. Hopkins registered the first shot of the game in the second minute from near the top of the box. The shot was stalled by Loper keeper Susie Bovaird. Abbey Johnson would follow suit with a deep shot late in the fourth minute that was also saved. 
 
MSUM's defense would stall Nebraska Kearney early on as the Lopers did not attempt a shot until late in the 15^th minute. Lilly Johnson would put a shot on in the 18^th minute that missed to the left. The Lopers would not register another shot until the 26^th minute which saw the home team break the scoreless tie. Nebraska Kearney's offense would pick up from there as they would place three more shots on goal throughout the half, all of which were stopped by Quinn Carter. 
 
The Dragons had their best chance on net in the 38^th minute. Sara Alfrida Munk Nielsen would try for the net on a free kick. The senior's shot hit the crossbar as the Dragons ended the action just inches away from equalizing. Nebraska Kearney would lead 1-0 through 45 minutes of play. 
 
Elida Selliaas would lead off the offensive efforts in the second period as the freshman fired a low shot from just outside the box. The shot would be saved to keep the score as is, but Nebraska Kearney would strike again in the 57^th minute. A deep shot made it past Rylee Truslow to put the Lopers up by two goals. The goal was put in by Daniella Iaquinta, who would score again in the 61^st minute to put Nebraska Kearney up by three scores. 
 
Nebraska Kearney was not done as they would score again in the 66^th minute. While freshmen Abby Toso (67^th minute) and Becca Cook (79th minute) would register shots on goal in the second half, MSUM would be held without a goal. The Lopers would win the match, 5-0, after scoring again in the 89^th minute. 
 
Up Next
 
MSUM (0-3-1) is set to begin NSIC play next week on the road against Northern State on Friday at 6 p.m. The Dragons will kickoff their 2024 home schedule on Sunday in a 12 p.m. match with the Mary Marauders.