ST. PAUL, Minn. --- The University of North Dakota soccer team had eight shots on goal but could not capitalize on its opportunities to overcome an early deficit to the University of Montana as the Sioux (1-5-1) drop a 4-1 decision to Montana (2-6-1) in the first game of the Minnesota Gold Classic.
Kirsten Zachman (Mahtomedi, Minn.) put the Sioux on the board to break up the shutout with only 3:38 remaining in regulation with her second goal of the season.
UND forced some early pressure on the Grizzlies when Rachael Loomis (Fargo, N.D) was able to win a one-on-one battle with a defender to force a free kick from just outside the penalty area, the first of three in the Montana half of play in the first ten minutes.
Senior co-captains Mandi Boehmer (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) and Kirsten Zachman played a bit of keep away from a Grizzlies defender setting up a nice cross pass for Loomis. Loomis couldn't quite reach the pass with a header attempt for a near scoring chance.
Only two minutes later, Montana was able work the ball to the Sioux end of play and gained a corner kick where Lauren Costa was able to put a header past Sioux goalkeeper Lauren Sera (Winnipeg, Manitoba) for the first goal of the game.
The Grizzlies took a 2-0 lead at 35:30 with a goal by Teresa Huemann.
Alex Zarling (Fargo, N.D) got a scoring chance for the Sioux when she was able to fire a shot from about fifteen yards out aiming for the far post, but Alex Fisher was able to just get a piece of it, then sprawl on the rebound, just before Kirsten Zachman could get a rebound shot.
Sera made a great save to keep the game within two goals in the final two minutes of play and the score would hold going into the half.
It only took 10 seconds for UM to add a little cushion to their lead in the second half as they started with the ball, was able to work it into the corner for a crossing pass that Huemann cashed in for her second of the day.
Kiki Blake would make the score 4-0 when she was able put an accurate shot from 20 yards out in the upper left corner at the 64 minute mark.
The Sioux return to action Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Sunday with a 10 a.m. start against the University of Nevada.
