Women soccer wins 2-1 at home

The NDSU women’s soccer team certainly knows how to battle it out, and they showed it in their first home game of the season on Friday against Bemidji State, winning 2-1.

Senior Jordyn Wallenborn gave NDSU the early lead when she scored with about 21 minutes left in the first half, and the Bison refused to lay off the gas afterwards. They had control of the ball most of the first half, which kept it a one-sided game. The Bemidji Beavers kept it very physical, but the Bison fought back and kept possession for most of the first 45 minutes. The Bison were much more effective on the offensive side, leading the Beavers in shots on goal 10-4. NDSU’s assertive game play was lead by senior Annisha Kannarath’s seven total shots, three shots on goal and one assist.

After halftime, Bemidji State, being down 1-0, showed a sense of urgency. This led to a back-and-forth clash between the Beavers and NDSU. No team appeared to have an edge over the other, but the Bison just needed to survive to keep their lead. It went all the way down to the wire until the near end. With seven seconds left on the clock, BSU had a free kick near midfield and needed a goal to stay alive. BSU’s junior Samantha Lumberg took the free kick, which led to a goal by sophomore Mary O’Brien for the Beavers to force overtime.

The intensity of the game became increased dramatically with each new period, and it was no different with the first and second overtimes. Each team had ample opportunities to put the game in the books, but game saving plays was the theme for each goal keeper. Sierra Bonham and Katie McCormick combined for a total of three saves, two of which were in the overtime periods. BSU’s goalkeeper, freshman Brittany Tietz had clutch saves as well for the Beavers, ending the game with seven. BSU couldn’t keep up though. With about two minutes left in the second overtime period, freshman Lizzie Lukas kicked the game winning goal for the Bison. NDSU took their first home win and are now sitting at 2-4 in the season.