BROOKINGS, S.D. - Christa Nyblom's goal in the 83rd minute (82:45) proved to
be the game-winner propelling South Dakota State to a 2-1 women's soccer
victory over Drake on Friday evening (Sept. 11).
The loss snapped the Bulldogs' two match unbeaten streak and
dropped Drake's ledger to 1-3-2 overall, while the Jackrabbits improved to
2-3-1.
"When we were disciplined tonight
and followed the game plan, we created chances," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented.
"Too often we were operating as individuals, not willing to do the work early
to make it easier for our teammates, and either reacting to the game, guessing,
or trying to do too much on our own."
Redshirt sophomore Ali Walsh (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central)
registered a team-best three shots for Drake, including a cross at the 15:46
mark that found the back of the net for her first goal of the season to provide
the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage.
Senior Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer) earned the assist on the
tally.
The lead was short-lived as Kaitlin Justice scored her
second goal of the year, in the 23rd minute (22:54), to square the contest at
one.
South Dakota State outshot Drake on the evening, 16-12,
including 9-5 in the first half.
The Bulldogs had opportunities to regain the lead in the
second half, including a 1v1 with Jackrabbit goalkeeper Daniella Pappas, but
were unable to capitalize.
"Until today we were improving
each game and coming together," Horner said. "This game was uninspiring
and tonight we took a step backwards. Credit
SDSU with a high work rate, playing good soccer, and following a clear game
plan. The challenge now is to bounce back and perform at a higher level
than we did last Sunday against DePaul, and to do so
for more consecutive minutes."
Sophomore Kourtney Arnold (Norwalk, Iowa/Norwalk) pulled in a
game-high five saves for Drake, while Pappas recorded three saves.
The Bulldogs garnered two shots apiece from senior Elizabeth Woerle (Coon
Rapids, Minn./Meadow Creek), freshman Laura Moklestad (Des Moines, Iowa/Roosevelt),
senior Shannon Schuehle (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) and freshman Kelsey Pigg (Waukee, Iowa/Waukee). Justice paced all players with four
shots for the Jackrabbits.
Drake closes out its road swing in South Dakota with a
showdown against South Dakota on Sunday (Sept. 13) at 1:00 p.m.
