DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season on Sunday, falling to South Dakota by score of 2-1.
 
"Honestly, we didn't do enough to deserve a result today," Drake head coach Lindsey Horner said. "South Dakota was just better at being first to the ball and when we were in possession, we weren't quick enough or clean enough."
 
The Coyotes used their aggressive style of play to gain the advantage over the Bulldogs in the early goings of the contest and grabbed a quick lead. In the seventh minute, USD broke into the Drake defending box and drew a penalty.
 
Klarissa Vegas stepped up for the attempt and slotted her shot into the back of the net, putting South Dakota out in front, 1-0.
 
The Coyotes continued to control the pace throughout the first 45 minutes of play, while the physicality picked up between the two squads. In total there were 33 fouls in the match with 19 coming in the first half.
 
With just a few minutes left before the halftime horn, South Dakota struck again as Brooke Conway scored off a feed from Sophie Kasel, to make the score 2-0.
 
In the second half, the intensity remained on the pitch between the Bulldogs and the Coyotes as four yellow cards were given, split evenly with two apiece going to Drake and South Dakota. Six cautions were handed out over the course of the game, with four being assigned to Drake.
 
The Bulldogs responded to their deficit rather quickly in the second 45 minutes of play, however. Just 10 minutes after the restart, Madelyn Smith found the back of the net lofting one over the USD goalkeepers' hands from the center of the box. Angela Gutierrez set Smith up for the opportunity and was credited with her first assist of the year.
 
Needing to find an equalizer, Drake continued to apply pressure to South Dakota's backline firing away five shots in the second half, but to no avail.
 
Drake was held to its lone goal on the day, with the keep away strategy from South Dakota not allowing another Bulldog score to give the Coyotes the 2-1 victory.
 
"Sometimes we get the best of the group on Senior Day and sometimes the pageantry of it doesn't help us perform and today we just couldn't get going in the first half," Horner added. "It's always unfortunate to not to be able to get a win for the seniors at home, but luckily we have a lot of the season left to play and more chances to improve."
 
South Dakota had the slight edge over Drake in shots, 8-7, and earned more corner kicks by mark of 4-2.
 
In net, Drake used three keepers on the day with Kendra Michael getting the start on her Senior Day. Kate Hopma replaced Michael in the first half and recorded a pair of saves, while Addie Ford manned the net for the entire second half.
 
Drake's next match will be on Thursday, August 21 as it hits the road for a tilt with Western Illinois. Kickoff against the Leathernecks is slated for 5 p.m. CT.