WINONA, Minn. – A first half goal coupled with stellar second half defense helped guide MSU Moorhead soccer to its first victory of the 2024 season. The Dragons defeated Winona State, 1-0.
 
The win is the first in the head coaching tenure of Scott Forster. 
 
"This win isn't just about those who played. It's about all who've challenged and learned and grown in the last six weeks," said Forster postgame. "Raising each other up and setting new standards. Proud of the Dragon spirit on show today."
 
Winona State would open the offense in the first half as the Warriors would test MSUM's Quinn Carter in the fifth minute. The junior would stall a low shot with Carter saving another Winona State try in the 13^th minute. The Dragon keeper would keep the game scoreless after another Winona State shot in the 16^th minute. Following that attempt, MSUM would not give up another shot on the net until the 28^th minute, which was also stopped by Carter. 
 
The Dragons would try their first pair of shots across the 19^th and 20^th minute as Abbey Johnson fired a ball that was saved by Winona State keeper Alyson Jumper. MSUM would not get another chance on goal until late in the first period following a Warrior foul. Sara Alfrida Munk Nielsen would get a free kick opportunity from the left side of the pitch and just outside the box near the sideline. The senior would put in a dazzling set piece that floated into the box and found Blayke Hurley. The fellow senior guided the ball into the net to break the scoreless tie. 
 
MSUM would not allow another Warrior attempt throughout the remainder of the half as the Dragons had one final chance before halftime. A long free kick in the 44^th minute nearly found the leg of Hanna Barthel for an easy goal, but Jumper would play the ball nicely to thwart the try. Through 45 minutes, MSUM led 1-0 behind Hurley's score.
 
The home club would burst out of the locker room as they would vagabond into MSUM's zone early on. Again, it was Carter and the Dragon backline who thwarted the Warrior attack. A wonderful through ball from the Warriors gave them a one-on-one opportunity with Carter. The Mandan, N.D., native rolled the dice, pressing the Warrior striker and playing lockdown defense. By the time Winona State could get a shot attempted, MSUM's defense had recovered, booting the shot away. Carter would turn away another shot on goal and would dissolve a pair of Warrior crosses before the 56^th minute. 
 
The Dragons would respond with a threat of their own ahead of the 60^th minute. A kick from Marin Hensley caused an MSUM corner kick, which positioned the Dragons well. Sophie Thompson delivered a nice corner ball that narrowly missed paydirt for MSUM. Winona State would come back and have another one-on-one chance that was poked away by Mason Kimble. An ensuing Warrior look was blocked away again by Carter. 
 
MSUM's defense would continue to heat up as Johnson would knock away a Warrior cross in the 63^rd minute. While Winona State would continue to control possession, they would only saunter above the penalty box, missing shots just ahead of the 80^th minute. Carter would finish with her gloves all over the match, stopping one final Warrior shot in the 88^th minute. The junior would tally a clean sheet with nine saves as MSUM claimed its first victory of the season. Carter, Nielsen and Hensley went the full 90 for MSUM. 
 
Up Next
 
MSUM (1-5-1) is back on the pitch this weekend as they travel to St. Paul, Minn., for a 1 p.m. match with Concordia, St. Paul on Sunday.