POCATELLO, Idaho -- The University of North Dakota soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision versus Idaho State on Friday afternoon at Davis Field in Pocatello, Idaho.
UND (1-7-2, 0-2 BSC) sported a different look in the lineup heading into today's game, and head coach Matt Kellogg was pleased with the success that his new lineup had.
"We made quite a few personnel changes this past week and you could see the difference in the game today," said Kellogg. "I was pleased with the effort from the players today and how we battled for everything."
The Fighting Hawks came out in the first half aggressive, registering six shots and a pair of corner kicks. The six shots by UND were the most in a game since the 0-0 tie at Western Illinois (Sep. 9) and the most in the first half since UND registered eight against NDSU (Sep. 2).
Nikolina Musto started the scoring in the 11th minute when the sophomore tallied her third goal of the season to give the Bengals a 1-0 lead.
Just 12 minutes later, the Fighting Hawks responded. Sophomore Veronica Kessler fired a shot from right inside the box that deflected off the goalkeeper and into the net to even the game at 1-1 in the 24th minute.
The goal was the first of the season for Kessler and was the first goal for the Fighting Hawks since Sep. 2 versus NDSU.
Olivia Swenson continued to shine since returning from injury. The sophomore goalkeeper turned away three shots in the first half and made a total of seven on the afternoon.
Idaho State broke the tie in the 80th minute when Megan Bare scored her first of the season to give the Bengals a 2-1 lead with just ten minutes to go.
The goal was only the second time that UND has allowed a game-winning goal in the final ten minutes or later of the game, with the previous time coming in the 1-0 2OT loss versus South Dakota State.
Bare's goal proved to be the winner as the Bengals held on for the 2-1 victory.
The Fighting Hawks will next travel to Moscow, Idaho to play the defending regular-season champions, Idaho, on Sunday.
"Now we have to learn what we can from today and get ready for Sunday," said Kellogg. "It's a quick turnaround, especially on the road, but this group will be ready."
Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. (CT).
-UND-
