MINOT, ND – Playing their first postseason game in five seasons, the University of Mary women's soccer team looked like tournament veterans as the Marauders advanced to the Northern Sun tournament semifinals with a 1-0 win in snowy conditions at Minot State University.
Jade Smith scored late in the first half and
Hannah Smith posted a clean sheet as the Marauders ended the Beavers season.
The Marauders now face NSIC champion and tournament host Minnesota State University on Friday, Nov. 3, at 2 pm in Mankato, MN. The Mavericks tied the University of Minnesota Duluth 1-1 in the opening round and advanced to the semifinals after claiming the shootout 8-7. The Marauders-Mavericks winner advances to the NSIC tournament championship game on Sunday, Nov. 5, in Mankato.
With both teams getting used to the snowy conditions on a slick pitch, the homestanding Beavers seemed to generate the most opportunities in the opening half. Minot State had a 3-1 edge in corner kicks but couldn't find the touch to put a shot on frame in the first 45 minutes.
The Marauders broke out of their own defensive zone in a big way late in the first stanza. With
Caylin Cathey attacking deep into the penalty area, the junior laid the ball back to Smith. Left alone, the native of Rochester, England, picked her spot and blasted the ball past Beavers goalkeeper Erin Rafferty for her team-high eighth goal of the season. It was just one of two shots on goal in the first half, both taken by UMary.
The UMary defense then took over, denying the potent Minot State attack quality scoring chances. The Beavers had an opportunity late in the game when
Hannah Smith bobbled a slick ball off a free kick but Marauders defenders beat the Minot State attackers to the loose ball and cleared the zone.
Minot State ended the game with a 6-4 edge in shots but both teams managed two shots on frame. The UMary defense fended off five corner kicks from Minot State. The Marauders generated just one corner kick. The Marauders were whistled for 13 infractions to seven for the Beavers.
This is the first Marauders postseason win since defeating Minnesota Duluth 2-1 in 2008 to advance to the NSIC semifinals.
UMary improved to 12-4-2 overall. It is the most wins in a season for the Marauders since earning 16 wins in 2007. Minot State finishes 12-5-2.
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