FARGO, N.D. – Redshirt senior Alex Freeman (Duluth, Minn.) scored the game-winning goal for the Drake University women's soccer team to edge North Dakota State, 1-0, Friday night in the season-opener for both schools.
 
Freeman, who missed nearly all of the 2015 season due to a knee injury, scored off a corner kick from junior Kasey Hurt (Ankeny, Iowa) in the 67^th minute.
 
"Tonight's game was a good road test for us," said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner. "Our midfield was stretched in the first half but after the break we were far more organized and better at playing quickly centrally which created dangerous moments for our wide players. We had three good chances in the second half prior to the goal. We knew we had to put one away while we had the momentum. Overall we got better during the game and demonstrated the necessary grit defending on the road to earn a clean sheet."
 
Junior goalkeeper Haley Morris (Clive, Iowa) started the first half and senior Brooke Dennis (Wauconda, Ill.) started in between the posts in the final half. They each tallied one save.
 
Drake and North Dakota State each recorded three shots on goal. Sophomore Vanessa Kavan (Lincoln, Neb.) and senior Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.) each recorded two shots.
 
Drake continues the 2016 season on the road next weekend with matches at UIC and Wisconsin on Aug. 26 and Aug. 28, respectively. The Bulldogs open their home slate at Cownie on Sept. 2 against South Dakota.