GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota soccer team kicked off the new season in style, defeating Southern Indiana, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon from Bronson Field in Grand Forks, N.D.
Amelia Loeffler scored her first career goal in the 26th minute while Madi Livingston turned aside all five shots fired her way in net to secure the victory for the Fighting Hawks (1-0).
UND had offensive attempts early as they finished the first half with two corner kicks, three shots and a goal, while Southern Indiana (0-1) responded with six shots, including four on target.
The pressure continued in the second half as the Screaming Eagles had five shots and four corners in pursuit of the game-tying tally, but the UND defense allowed only one attempt to reach Livingston. NoDak nearly added some insurance late in the contest on the counterattack, but Sarah McCracken and Hannah Olson were both denied.
Both sides ramped up the physical play in the sloppy conditions, with the contest seeing a combined 19 fouls. A pair of yellow cards were awarded to North Dakota.
Postgame Notes
- Amelia Loeffler scored the lone goal of the match, her first as a Fighting Hawk.
- Julia Briggs recorded the second assist of her career on the tally.
- Madi Livingston finished with five saves for her first shutout of the season and fifth of her career.
- North Dakota now holds the all-time series at 1-0-0, the first meeting between the programs in soccer.
- Thursday's match marked the first regular season contest for Southern Indiana in its Division I era.
- USI finished with an 11-7 shot advantage, including 5-4 on goal.
- Both teams took five corner kicks, with UND scoring on the set piece.
- Hannah Olson led the game with two shots on goal.
How It Happened
First Half
- 25:30 – UND | On a corner kick, Julia Briggs sends it to the far post and Amelia Loeffler connects with a diving header to give the Fighting Hawks the 1-0 lead.
Second Half
- Neither team scored in the second half, as UND tallied the 1-0 victory.
For more information on North Dakota Soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDsoccer.
