BOX SCORE SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Neither windy conditions nor the Golden Bears' defense could stop
Maren Werth's ascension into Augustana soccer history on Saturday in a 3-1 victory over Concordia-St. Paul. The Vikings remained unbeaten at home this year in the win over its fellow Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference foe. The Vikings improved their record to 8-3 (6-2 NSIC). The Golden Bears dropped to 3-8 (2-6 NSIC).
With her two goals Saturday, Werth put herself in pretty rarified air in Augustana history, becoming just the fourth Viking to score at least 10 goals in a season, the first since Katie Shandri in 2009.
The Bloomington, Minn. native got things rolling early for Augustana, scoring the first goal of the match in the sixth minute of regulation. The forward took a
Kirsten Smith pass and headed it into the back of the net from five yards out, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead. For Smith, It was her first assist of the year.
Concordia-St. Paul answered quickly, tying the game up at 1-1 just minutes later at the 10:06 mark in the first half. Alahna Anderson - the Golden Bears leading scorer - notched her fourth goal of 2013 on the play. Anderson took a misplayed ball from
Ashley Limmer and netted it from two yards out. Liz Darkow was credited with the assist.
Werth then answered with the game-winning goal in the 25th minute of the first half. The senior showed off her powerful leg by drilling in a shot from deep, just outside the 18-yard box, and recording her second goal of the day – and tenth of the season – giving Augustana a 2-1 lead.
Less than two minutes later, Concordia-St. Paul gave up an own goal on a mishandled
Caroline Renner corner kick, resulting in a 3-1 Vikings' lead that held up the rest of the half.
Augustana dominated possession in the first half, leading to a commanding 16-6 shot advantage for the Vikings through the first 45 minutes of play.
In the second half, the wind really picked up, causing both teams offensive problems. Augustana was able to hold off the Golden Bears as neither team was able to score in the period, giving the Vikings a 3-1 win.
Concordia-St. Paul, with the wind at their back in the final 45 minutes, outshot Augustana eight to four in the half.
The Vikings outshot the Golden Bears 20-14 for the game.
Augustana was led by Werth's five shots.
Taylor Brownrigg and
Katie Hurd each had four shots, and
Kara Bartels recorded two shots.
The Vikings return to action on Sunday against #4 Minnesota State (10-1, 8-0 NSIC). The match will begin at 1 p.m. on Morstad Field.
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