FARGO, N.D. --- The University of North Dakota soccer team concluded its non-conference schedule today with a 2-2 draw at in-state rival North Dakota State.
"What a game this was," head coach Kristen Gay said. "Our team was outstanding today. To equalize late in the game and send it to (overtime), our players had the momentum and could feel it. NDSU has a great team and experience playing in the NCAA tournament. This was a measuring stick for us as we look forward to conference play."
UND moves to 3-5-2 on the season while NDSU is now 7-2-1. The all-time series is knotted at 3-3-1.
The Fighting Sioux, who were edged by NDSU 4-3 last season in Fargo in the two team's first meeting since 2003, got on the scoreboard first today with a goal by Rachael Loomis.
A Fargo native, Loomis received a cross-pass from freshman Megan Anderson (Rapid City, S.D.) and buried it into the lower left corner of the net for her fourth goal of the season.
In a major momentum swing, NDSU was able to even the game at 1-1 in the final minute before the half. Abbey Moenkedick was able to perfectly locate a shot, from 40-yards out, over UND goalkeeper Kristi Hestdalen's head.
It looked like NDSU would sneak past the Sioux again, as Holly Christian connected on a header over Hestdalen, to give the Bison the lead in the 84th minute.
The Sioux quickly answered as Rhaya Ballon (Rogers, Minn.) scored the equalizer in the 87th minute. The eventual game-tying goal was her team-leading fifth goal on the year. Freshman Sam Harris (Bismarck, N.D.) picked up an assist on the goal.
Hestdalen finished the game with 14 saves.
UND opens Great West Conference play this week. The Sioux head on the road for a Thursday meeting at Delaware State and South Carolina State on Saturday.
