GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Manitoba in preseason exhibition action at Bronson Field on Saturday.
A total of 22 student-athletes saw game time for the Fighting Hawks, as the contest served as the first chance to get some game experience for the new season. In net, returning sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Swenson started the game for UND, while freshman Catherine Klein played the second half.
The Bisons, who were playing in their second exhibition this preseason, did outshoot UND in the first half, 9-8, but North Dakota countered in the second half with a 10-6 advantage in shots. Despite the result, the Fighting Hawks showed a lot of progress on the field and had multiple chances to score and potentially win the game.
North Dakota's started the second half with a 1-0 deficit, but claim close to taking a 2-1 lead after the Fighting Hawks had two quality scoring chances in the early minutes of the half. Unfortunately, Manitoba's goalkeeper Madison Wilford made 10 saves, while her defense also chipped in with one save to keep UND off the board.
Sophomores Kaylee Kebba, Kennedy Kidd and Katie Moller totaled seven of UND's 18 shots, while senior forward Zoe Foster added three of her own.
North Dakota also got strong contributions from its newcomers. Sophomore transfer Erin Svensson started on the backline for UND. Jennifer Pippin played 26 minutes and recorded one shot on net. Maggie Spellman logged a strong 53 minutes of play time on the back line. Ally Cranfield recorded one shot; and Karleen Yapello logged 11 minutes for UND in the contest.
UND's goalkeepers combined for nine saves while the UND defense also added one more saves for a total of 10.
North Dakota and Manitoba ended the game with a five-round shootout, but the Bisons claimed the PKs 5-4.
The Fighting Hawks return to Bronson field for a final exhibition match this preseason on Tuesday against St. Cloud State. Kick-off against the Huskies is slated for 5 p.m. (CT).
