SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota State Moorhead soccer turned in a resilient effort despite being short-handed in Sunday afternoon NSIC action. The Dragons fell to Augustana on the road, 2-1.
"To come to Augustana in any circumstance is a tough game," said MSUM head soccer coach
Scott Forster. "To battle for 45+ minutes with 10 women and come back into the game, it shows our Dragon spirit."
Forward
Clara Butler would be the first to attempt a shot in the game for MSUM, a try that missed right. Dragon goalkeeper
Emilia Bukholt Kristensen would make her first save of the match just ahead of the 12
th minute. Kristensen would be tested again not even four minutes later, making another save.
Butler would have Moorhead's second shot of the match, a try that missed the mark to the right. Kristensen would be tested just after the half hour mark, stalling a pair of Viking attempts to keep the game scoreless. MSUM would be left short-handed late in the half after a Dragon red card created a prime Augie free kick. Kristensen would stave off the attempt for her fifth save of the half.
The scoreless tie would hold firm through 45 minutes with MSUM logging a pair of shots. Augustana would have 15 shot attempts, but only five were registered on net in the first period. The Vikings would not be held scoreless for long as the second half began, netting a score in the 52
nd minute. Augustana would control possession from there, scoring another goal in the 67
th minute.
Despite being down a player, MSUM would not give in despite the deficit. Butler gave the Dragons life ahead of the 78
thminute after earning a breakaway attempt off a pass from
Abby Toso.
The true freshman used some shifty dribbling to create space in her sprint to the net. Butler would fire off a tight lob shot that found the back of the net. The goal would cut the Dragon deficit in half with just under 12 minutes to play. However, MSUM would be unable to put together an offensive run to even the score as Augie won the match, 2-1. Kristensen would make 11 saves in the match for Moorhead.
Up Next
MSUM (2-2-1, 1-1 NSIC) will play its first pair of home matches next weekend in NSIC play. The Dragons host Sioux Falls to begin the series on Friday at 3 p.m.
