Soccer clinches USC East title
The NDSU soccer team has made the most of its first and last season competing in the United Soccer Conference.
With a 1-0 victory over Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne Sunday at Ellig Sports Complex, the Bison clinched the top seed of the West Division in the United Soccer Conference.
NDSU finished 3-0 in the West Division USC games. The Bison will play the No. 4 team from the East Division Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C., at the conference tournament.
This is the inaugural season of the conference and the Bison will begin competing in the Mid-Continent Conference next season.
The victory was NDSU’s fourth consecutive win and fifth of its last six games.
Freshman midfielder Lorraine Thompson scored the game’s lone goal in the 78th minute to provide just enough offense to get the victory.
Thompson, who already scored a game-winning goal this season, was assisted by freshman Ashley Dement and junior Michelle Martinez.
A true freshman, Thompson now leads the team in game-winning goals (2), goals (5) and points (11).
NDSU freshman keeper Monica Morgan made six saves that proved to be vital, because IPFW featured a hot keeper in Shannon Lynn, who was able to save 12 shots before allowing the goal.
Coach Pete Cuadrado credits Lynn on limiting the Bison to one goal and felt that NDSU’s ability to continue putting shots on goal was the deciding factor.
“We played well and had plenty of chances,” Cuadrado said. “We just had to keep at it and we were able to get one in the end.”
Sunday’s victory was made even more special since it was the final home game for seniors Sarah Panzer, Erin Ellsworth and Danielle Thompson.
Cuadardo was proud of his seniors and credits them for the success the Bison have achieved so far this season.
“ They are so hard working and dedicated,” Cuadrado said of the seniors. “It’s nice to see them be rewarded for all their effort.”
Panzer was emotional after the game recounting her career wearing a Bison uniform.
She said that this year has the chance to be really special for the team heading into the USC tournament.
“ We’re not done yet, we overcame a little slump in the middle of the year, but we were able to pick it up in conference play and clinch the West Division,” Panzer said.