SIOUX FALLS, SD – In a matchup between two of only three teams to make an appearance in the Northern Sun semifinals in each of the last two seasons, the visiting University of Mary women's soccer team was edged 1-0 by Augustana University.
After holding their first three opponents without a goal, the Marauders saw their shutout streak snapped in the second half. UMary opened the season by holding opponents scoreless for a span of 347:24. The loss is the first this season for the Marauders, who are 2-1-1 overall and 0-1-1 in the Northern Sun. The Vikings improve to 4-1-1 and 2-0-1.
Playing with a brisk wind to their backs in the opening half, the Marauders generated eight shots to five for the Vikings and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks. Despite UMary's efforts, Augie had a 2-1 edge in shots on frame before intermission.
Changing ends for the second half also brought on more of an attack for the Vikings, who held the advantage after intermission in shots (9-2), shots on frame (6-2) and corner kicks (5-1).
The Marauders defensive scoreless streak nearly ended in the 52
nd minute of play as a shot eluded Waltman as she attempted to play the ball at the edge of the goal box. With the ball approaching the goal line, a Marauders defender swooped in to stop the ball before it rolled across the line, keeping the game scoreless.
Less than six minutes later, the Vikings became the first team to penetrate the Marauders defense this season. Taking a low, rolling shot from outside the top left of the goal area, Augie's Grace Behm found the bottom right of the net to provide the home team a 1-0 lead.
With the wind in their face against a strong defensive unit, the Marauders managed just one shot in the final 30 minute of play. With just under eight minutes left,
Hannah Richter unleased a shot to the lower left portion of the net but was turned away by Augie goalkeeper Claudia Pueschner.
Richter led the Marauders with three shots and
Kylee Welch added two.
Waltman posted six saves in the game as her streak of clean sheets ends at three.
Augie finished with advantages in shots (14-10) and shots on frame (8-3) while both teams triggered seven corner kicks. Augie committed seven fouls to five for UMary.
The Marauders next visit Wayne State College for a 1 pm match on Sunday, Sept. 28, in Wayne, NE.
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