MINOT, N.D. – Minnesota State Moorhead soccer struck first, but ultimately came up short on Sunday afternoon. Minot State defeated the Dragons, 4-1.
"I feel that in my life, I've always learned more from a defeat than I have a victory. Today we have certainly done that as a team," said MSUM head soccer coach
Scott Forster. "The players gave their all and we created some chances. The Minot State goalkeeper made some great saves to keep us out, and ultimately fighting into the wind got the better of us."
Offense would come early for the Dragons as
Mary Cox was able to work her way into the box following a throw in. The sophomore delivered a low pass which was served up for
Lilly Johnson to put away. Johnson would get the Dragons on the scoreboard first off the assist from Cox at 4:46. For Cox it is her fourth assist of the season while Johnson's score is her third of the year.
Minot State would be quick to answer, equalizing the match at 7:27. Both attacks would cool off from there as the teams combined for three shots throughout the remainder of the half. Johnson had a shot blocked while the Dragon backline blocked a pair of Beaver attempts. At halftime, the teams remained tied.
The Beavers would see a shot hit the post as the second half commenced and would later claim a 2-1 lead after a goal at 54:44. Moorhead would have an opportunity to equalize ahead of the 60-minute mark as
Sophie Thompson had a shot saved by Minot State keeper Rebecca Sargent.
Blayke Hurley would have a shot to tie not long after with Sargent making the save.
The Beavers would extend their lead to two goals after a score at 62:53. Johnson would have a shot saved by Sargent not even a minute later keeping the score at 3-1. Minot State would continue their stretch of offense with another goal at 67:14, making the score 4-1. That score would hold throughout as MSUM goalkeeper
Rylee Truslow made four saves.
Up Next
MSUM (3-13-1, 2-12 NSIC) is set to conclude the regular season on Thursday in a Highway 75 Rivalry Rock game with Minnesota Crookston. Kickoff from Crookston is scheduled for 2 p.m.
