GRAND FORKS, N.D. --- The University of North Dakota soccer team wrapped up home play Sunday in a hard-fought loss to Big Sky Conference opponent Southern Utah by a score of 3-0.
North Dakota falls to 2-11-1 on the season and 0-7-0 in Big Sky Conference play with the loss, while Southern Utah improves to 2-9-2 on the season and 1-5-1 in BSC play.
The teams proved to be evenly matched throughout the first half, as play continually went back and forth. SUU held the slight advantage with seven shots to UND's six, and four corner kicks to UND's three. UND goalkeeper, Kristi Hestdalen (Pierre, S.D.), and SUU goalkeeper, Charly Booth, each compiled five saves in the first half of play. The teams entered the halftime break scoreless.
However, Southern Utah would find a spark in the second half, scoring three goals and holding UND scoreless, to capture their first Big Sky Conference victory.
SUU started off its scoring in the 70th minute, as Sydney Cook found the net on a header. Kristy Hendrickson was credited with the assist, giving SUU a 1-0 lead.
At the 77:18 mark, Mackenzie Moreno added an unassisted goal to give the Thunderbirds a 2-0 advantage.
Southern Utah tallied its last goal in the final minute of the game, as Stacey Brinkman shot the ball past a diving Hestdalen. Cook was given an assist on Brinkman's fourth goal of the season, sealing SUU's victory with a score of 3-0.
Southern Utah finished the game with 17 shots, while North Dakota finished with ten. SUU also led in corner kicks 12-4. The game proved to be highly physical, with UND receiving 18 fouls and SUU receiving 13 fouls and two yellow cards.
Senior, Rhaya Ballon (Rogers, Minn.), led North Dakota's offense with five shots. Senior, Caitlyn Haring (Fargo, N.D.) also contributed two shots to the losing effort on Senior Day.
Next weekend, UND will be on the road in its final two regular season games. Thursday UND will take on BSC opponent Weber State, before concluding the season on Saturday against Idaho State, another BSC matchup.
