GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota's women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to St. Thomas at Bronson Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Fighting Hawks (5-6-2, 1-3-1 Summit League) scored the first goal of the game just 10 minutes in, but the Tommies (3-8-1, 2-3-0 Summit League) scored two unanswered, including one in the 86th minute, to pull ahead and take the victory.
Cora Ellermann scored her sixth goal of the season for North Dakota, claiming sole possession of the team lead in that category. For Ellermann, it serves as a career-high for single season goals, surpassing the five she had for the Fighting Hawks last season. As a team, North Dakota once again outshot its opponent, this time in a 15-to-7 showing but were unable to capitalize outside of Ellerman's heroics.
St. Thomas' Kalli Knowles scored both goals for the Tommies, with Ana Oenning assisting on her first goal in the 30th minute to tie the game.
North Dakota and St. Thomas were battling at midfield until Ellermann got loose to break the scoreless streak. She drove from the middle, evading a trio of defenders and capitalized with her left foot with a boot into the net. By that point, North Dakota had solidified the pace with the shot attempt advantage
St. Thomas retaliated with Knowles' first goal of the afternoon in the 30th minute. It was just the Tommies second shot on goal of the match to that point. The teams went back-and-forth until the first half concluded, sitting tied at one goal apiece.
North Dakota's defense remained strong to begin the second half, not allowing a St. Thomas shot until the 77th minute. In that span to start the second half, the Fighting Hawks were able to put up six shots.
With the match looking predetermined to finish as a draw, the dagger from St. Thomas came with just over three minutes remaining. Knowles once again found the back of the net after an unfortunate bounce off North Dakota goalie
Thale Ruether left the net open, allowing Knowles to capitalize.
The Fighting Hawks wouldn't get another shot off before the final buzzer sounded with the Tommies claiming a 2-1 victory.
North Dakota will hit the road for a three-match away stint, beginning on Thursday with a faceoff against Kansas City. First kick for that match is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
Postgame Notes
How It Happened
First Half
10:52 | UND –
Cora Ellermann (1)
30:07 | UST – Kalli Knowles (1) assisted by Ana Oenning
Second Half
86:49 | UST – Kalli Knowles (2)
For more information on North Dakota soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media
@UNDsoccer.
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