VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of North Dakota soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision at South Dakota on Thursday afternoon from First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion, S.D.
UND drops to 4-6-3 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play to sit with one point through a trio of league games while having its winless streak reach three straight, matching the longest stretch of the season.
Both teams had to battle the windy elements in the contest, with the wind providing an advantage to one side in each of the 45 minutes of the match. North Dakota had the first shot with the wind at its backs, creating multiple opportunities over the opening stanza.
UND had the first major scoring chance in the 18th minute, when
Amelia Loeffler got her head on a free kick, but the ball just sailed over the top of the post to keep the score deadlocked at 0-0. Despite being out shot by an 8-2 margin in the first half, the Fighting Hawks tallied the lone shot on goal in the frame but failed to find the back of the net to head into the halftime break still scoreless.
South Dakota took advantage of the wind in the opening minutes of the second half, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute when Taylor Ravelo connected on a corner kick into the box to give the hosts the breakthrough.
Both sides created chances over the remaining portions of the stanza, but it was the Coyotes who increased the lead with a shot from distance by Janiana Zanin in the 81st minute. UND nearly got on the board just moments later, but
Brynn Belcher's curling shot from just outside the box was saved by Caroline Lewis to preserve the 2-0 shutout victory.
North Dakota returns to action on Sunday afternoon at South Dakota State beginning at 1 p.m. from Brookings, S.D.
Postgame Notes
- USD finished with a 17-6 advantage in shots
- The Coyotes also had six shots on goal compared to three for UND
- Brynn Belcher led UND with two shots on target
- Madi Livingston finished with four saves on six attempts
- UND was whistled for one yellow card while South Dakota was not booked
- Corner kicks were 14-2 in favor of USD
How It Happened
First Half
No scoring
Second Half
52' | USD - Taylor Ravelo finds a ball in the box off a corner kick and scores to give the Coyotes a 1-0 lead
81' | USD - Janiana Zanin fires one home from distance to increase the advantage to 2-0
For more information on North Dakota soccer, follow on social media @UNDsoccer or visit FightingHawks.com.