MANKATO, MN – Faced with the tall task of opening the Northern Sun tournament on the road against one of the nation's top teams, an outstanding 2021 season for the University of Mary soccer team ended on an own goal in a tough 1-0 loss to #25 Minnesota State University.
The Marauders and Mavericks combined for just seven shots on frame in a first-round tournament match between a pair of teams allowing less than a goal a game on a day featuring winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour.
"We put in a valiant fight today against one of the top teams in the nation and unfortunately came a bit short," said Marauders head coach
Sarah Cook. "I'm so unbelievably proud of these women. Their heart and passion for what they do is remarkable.
"Thank you to all the parents and fans who supported us near and far. We appreciate your endless support.
"To our seniors Mo (
Maureen Sullivan), Reegin (Kehn), Sam (Guzman), Emma (Davies), Hannah (Richter), and Cassidy (Pierce): You all are amazing women who can do anything you put your heart and soul into. Thank you for your leadership and everything you have put into UMary Soccer. It's been an honor to coach you!"
The Marauders had an early opportunity to score the opening goal of the game. Taking an advantage of a foul call on the Mavericks in the 2
nd minute of play,
Ava Vizenor fired a long free kick from outside the penalty area targeted to tuck in under the crossbar. At the last moment the ball was punched over the top of the net by MSU goalkeeper Mackenzie Rath. Earning their only corner kick of the half, the Marauders were unable to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Mavericks had a strong opportunity in the 23
rd minute. Jenny Vetter, 4
th all-time at MSU in goals scored, maneuvered past UMary goalkeeper
Madisyn Waltman and had a low angle shot from the left side of the net cleared off the goal line by Marauders defender
Sophia Lange before the ball could be knocked into the net.
Late in the opening half,
Hannah Richter worked herself free atop the penalty box in the 39
th minute and fired a shot towards the upper reaches of the net but her scoring attempt was thwarted by Rath.
Now with the wind to its back, Minnesota State upped the pressure in the second half, taking the first seven shots with a pair on frame. The pressure paid off for the home team when a crossing attempt from the left side of the penalty area by Maille Mathis was deflected into the net by a Marauders defender at 56:08 for the decisive goal.
Looking for the equalizer, Richter broke free in the 69
th minute and rifled a shot off her left foot towards the left post from 18 yards out that Rath was able to snare.
Richter's attempt proved to be the last quality scoring chance for the Marauders as Minnesota State bottled up the UMary attack the remainder of the game.
While the Mavericks held a 16-3 edge in shots, the Marauders limited the quality attempts as MSU only had a 4-3 advantage in shots on frame.
Waltman finished the game with four saves for the Marauders. Rath had three saves for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks generated four corner kicks to two for the Marauders.
The Marauders finishes the season 9-7-3 overall. The Mavericks are 15-2-2.
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