GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Amelia Loeffler's header in the 61st minute proved to be the difference, as North Dakota defeated South Dakota, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at Bronson Field in Grand Forks, N.D.
With the win, UND (7-8-4, 3-4-2 Summit League) advances to the Summit League Championships for the second time in program history and first time since 2019. The Fighting Hawks will battle No. 3 seed Omaha in the quarterfinals on Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in Brookings, S.D., with the winner advancing to play the second-seeded Jackrabbits on Sunday, Oct. 30.
Madi Livingston was sharp in goal once again for the hosts, turning aside all five shots fired her way to post her seventh shutout of the season. The senior was especially strong in the final 45 minutes, making four saves to help preserve the victory.
Needing a win to keep its season alive, UND put constant pressure on the South Dakota (4-9-5, 3-4-2 Summit League) backline in the opening half with four shot attempts but couldn't produce any goals to show for it.
In the 59th minute, Loeffler nearly got the hosts on the board when she sent a header following a free kick directly off the post and out to keep the game scoreless. Moments later, the freshman redeemed herself by connecting on a
Julia Briggs' corner and beating the keeper with a header, putting the Fighting Hawks in front, 1-0.
South Dakota, who entered Sunday's contest needing a draw-or-better to advance to the postseason, pushed hard for the equalizer in the final 30 minutes, but it was Livingston and the UND defense who snuffed out any opportunity.
Livingston made her best stop of the afternoon in the dying seconds with a diving stop to seal the victory and send the Hawks into the postseason.
North Dakota and Omaha will meet in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m. on Friday from Brookings, S.D.
Postgame Notes
• UND will make its second postseason appearance since joining the Summit League and first since 2019
• South Dakota finished with a 14-11 shot advantage, with shots on goal finishing even at 5-5
• The Hawks were whistled for 13 fouls and a trio of yellow cards while USD had just seven fouls
• USD totaled three corner kicks compared to two for NoDak
• Loeffler's goal was the second of her career, also coming on a header against Southern Indiana in the season opener
• Both Loeffler's tallies are game winners, scoring the first and last goals of UND's regular season
• The assist was the third of the season for Briggs, her first since Sept. 18 at UAPB
How It Happened
First Half
No scoring
Second Half
60:11 | UND –
Julia Briggs sends a corner into the box, where
Amelia Loeffler connects on a header for the goal
For more information on North Dakota soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDsoccer.
