FARGO, N.D. — Minnesota State Moorhead soccer showed plenty of fight in its Highway 75 Rivalry Rock matchup with Minnesota Crookston on Thursday. The Dragons earned a 2-2 draw with the Golden Eagles to retain the traveling trophy.
"Today was an emotional day. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to be a positive influence on the season. Most of all thanks to Lilly, Lizzy and Clara for their dedication to Dragon soccer," said head coach Scott Forster. "The ending was challenging but proud of the comeback to keep the Rivalry Rock in Moorhead."
Moorhead is now 7-6-3 in Highway 75 Rivalry Rock contests with the result. The match was the first indoor soccer match in MSUM history, held inside the Fargo Parks Sports Center. It was also the first NCAA regular season match for the facility.
The Golden Eagles struck first, scoring just 2:42 into the contest, but the Dragons responded with a strong stretch of attacking play to turn the match around.
MSUM found the equalizer in the 24th minute when Alivia Thompson finished a scoring opportunity assisted by Sophie Thompson and Clara Paleen. Thompson's goal was the first of her collegiate career. The Dragons kept the pressure on and took the lead just six minutes later. Mary Cox found the back of the net in the 30th minute to to give MSUM a 2-1 advantage. Senior Lilly Allen delivered a perfect ball to score the assist on the Cox goal.
The Dragons carried that lead into halftime after an active opening 45 minutes, during which they recorded seven shots and earned two corner kicks.
MSUM continued to create chances in the second half, finishing with 16 shots overall, including six on goal. Thompson led the Dragons with five shots and two on target, while Cox recorded two shots, both on goal. Ellie Lommel added two shots, putting one on frame.
Goalkeeper Emilia Bukholt Kristensen turned in a busy performance, making five saves across the full 90 minutes. Minnesota Crookston generated 15 shots, eight of which were on target.
The Dragons appeared poised to close out the rivalry win, but the Golden Eagles found a dramatic equalizer with just three seconds remaining. Emmah Burnes scored at the 89:57 mark to make it 2-2.
Despite the late score, MSUM's response after conceding the opening goal was a highlight. Allen, Paleen and Lizzy Jaraczeski played in their final collegiate matches for the Dragons.
MSUM finishes the 2026 season 3-12-3 overall with a 2-11-2 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
