BOX SCORE SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In a game filled with exciting plays and wild runs, 90 minutes of soccer wasn't enough for the fans at Morstad Field on Sunday. It took until the 102nd minute of double overtime before Augustana fell to #4 Minnesota State 3-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. The loss ended the Vikings unbeaten streak at home this season, and dropped their record to 8-4 (6-3, NSIC). The Mavericks' record improved to 11-1 (9-0 NSIC).
With honorary coach Jeff Thurn on the Augustana sidelines, the Vikings put forth what might have been their best effort of the season, even in a loss. Augustana played tough and aggressive and was able to take Minnesota State out of their game at times, a feat few teams can say this year.
Both teams played each other evenly for most of the first half. The Vikings were able to break the stalemate in the 36th minute of regulation when
Payton Pry took the rebound off a
Kara Bartels shot and netted it from two yards out, giving Augustana the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The Mavericks outshot the Vikings 12-8 in the half.
In the second half, Minnesota State upped the pressure and aggressiveness of its offense, which paid dividends in the 69th minute of the match. Kiana Nickel streaked down the right side and drilled a shot from 18 yards out past junior goalkeeper
Ashley Limmer to even the match at 1-1.
The Mavericks took a 2-1 lead less than five minutes later on Jessica Bowe's goal. Bowe headed in a ball served by Nickel at the 73:30 mark in the match. For Bowe, it was her second marker of 2013. Nickel recorded her third assist on the season on the play.
The Vikings, not panicked by the momentum swing, responded quickly by pushing the attack, resulting in a penalty kick 40 seconds later.
Payton Pry then notched her second goal of the game - third of the year - tying the game at 2-2.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the remaining 15 minutes of regulation sending the match to overtime with Minnesota State holding a 30-14 advantage in shots.
The first 10 minutes of overtime saw scoring chances for both teams, but neither was able to convert and seal the win.
The Mavericks got their big break in the second overtime. In the 102nd minute of the game, Nickel and Bowe teamed up again to deliver the victory for Minnesota State. Nickel fired a shot at Limmer, who deflected it on the save, but saw Bowe come in and strike it in on the rebound for the golden goal, giving the Mavericks a 3-2 win.
For the match, Minnesota State outshot the Vikings 37-16
Augustana was led by Pry and
Maren Werth, each taking three shots in the match.
Leading NSIC-scorer Korey Kronforst was held scorelss by the Viking defense for only the second time all year.
Limmer's eight saves in the contest tied a career-high.
The Vikings head back on the road next week for two NSIC games. First up, Minot State on Friday at 7 p.m. at Herb Parker Stadium. Augustana finishes up on Sunday at U-Mary at noon. The game will be played at the MDU Sources Bowl.
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