SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls Soccer team capped off Cougar Days and Alumni Day with a hard-fought effort against No. 2 Minnesota State, ultimately falling 3-0 Sunday afternoon at Bob Young Field in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
THE BASICS
- Score: No. 2 Minnesota State 3, Sioux Falls 0
- Records: Sioux Falls 4-4-1 (2-3-1 NSIC), Minnesota State 8-0-1 (6-0-0 NSIC)
- Location: Bob Young Field – Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Attendance: 146
HOW IT HAPPENED
Facing one of the nation’s top-ranked programs, the Cougars stayed organized defensively through much of the opening half. Goalkeeper Delani Daubman turned away multiple early attempts before Minnesota State broke through in the 37th minute as Marin Johnson finished off a pass from Amara Smith for a 1-0 lead.
Sioux Falls created a few promising moments in transition, including shots from Mariah Siem and Addison Van Zee, but could not find the equalizer.
In the second half, the Mavericks extended their lead when Maddix Archer scored in the 55th minute, followed by Avery Korsching’s strike in the 84th minute to seal the result. Despite the deficit, the Cougars continued to battle, forcing Minnesota State keeper Lauren McAlpine to make two saves in the half.
HEAD COACH SAID
“We knew this would be a big test for us and we welcomed it with open arms. The opportunity to compete against one of the top programs in the country year after year was always going to be a great measuring stick of our progress so far and where we have to go next to keep going forward…