GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota soccer team continued its winning streak, defeating Jamestown, 2-0, on Saturday from Bronson Field in Grand Forks, N.D.
Saturday saw more firsts as Irene Jirasevijinda netted the first goal of her career in the 25th minute and Olivia Valdivia scored her first of the season, fourth of her career, in the 77th minute to salt away the win. Madi Livingston and Abby Ellenberger secured the second shutout for the Fighting Hawks in as many games, with two saves to secure the victory (2-0).
North Dakota attacked Jamestown early as they ended the first half with two corner kicks, 16 shots and a goal. The strong start offensively carried possession the way of the hosts, surrendering neither a shot or corner to the Jimmies.
The Fighting Hawks continued to pepper the Jimmies with shots in the second half as they added 13 more to end the game with 29. Jamestown continued to seek the game-tying goal with two shots and a corner, but the North Dakota defense locked them down as they only allowed one shot to reach Ellenberger.
Both teams played a physical match as the end saw 17 combined fouls. A singular yellow card was awarded in the contest to North Dakota.
Postgame Notes
- Irene Jirasevijinda scored the game-winning goal, her first as a Fighting Hawk.
- Olivia Valdivia scored the insurance goal, her first this season and fourth of her career.
- Hannah Olson recorded the fourth assist of her career, first of the season, in the pass to Jirasevijinda.
- Bailey McNitt's pass to Valdivia was the first assist of the season, eighth in her career.
- Madi Livingston and Abby Ellenberger combined on the shutout for UND increasing their shutout streak to 180 minutes.
- First 2-0-0 start for the program since 2018, when they started 3-0-0.
- North Dakota now holds the lead in the all-time series at 8-0-0.
- Saturday's match was an exhibition for the Jimmies, while it was the second regular season game for UND.
- UND finished with an 29-2 shot advantage, including 7-1 on goal.
- North Dakota led on corner kicks 5-1.
- Hannah Olson led the game with eight shots on goal.
How It Happened
First Half
- 25:33 – UND | Hannah Olson takes it into the right-side corner and crosses it to Irene Jirasevijinda who uses her body to send into the net and give the Fighting Hawks the 1-0 lead.
Second Half
- 77:58 – UND | Returning to the deep right-side corner, North Dakota's Bailey McNitt crosses it as Olivia Valdivia runs to the center of the box and connects with a header to send it over the goalie giving the Fighting Hawks a 2-0 lead.
For more information on North Dakota Soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDsoccer.
