BOX SCORE SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana soccer ended a five-game winless streak on Friday night with a 3-1 victory over rival Sioux Falls in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play . The Vikings improved their record to 9-7-1 (7-6-1 NSIC). The Cougars dropped to 2-14-1 (2-11-1 NSIC) on the year.
In a match that saw high winds causing cold-weather conditions to arise, Augustana battled through the cold with a no-excuse mentality and put on a goal-fest in the first half for the fans in attendance.
The Vikings got things going early into the game with
Kirsten Smith netting the opening goal of the contest in the fifth minute of regulation. For the Omaha, Neb. native, it was her second goal of 2013. Smith was assisted on the play by
Maren Werth. The Vikings leading goal scorer got her first assist of the season on the play.
Augustana would go up 2-0 in at the 12:46 mark in the half on what turned out to be the game-winning - and highlight of the night - goal by
Aleisha Oehlerking. The senior had the ball in the middle of the field and just launched a rocket that found its way above the head of the keeper and into the upper-right part of the net from about 20 yards out. It was the fourth goal of the year for Oehlerking.
The Vikings recorded their third and final goal of the evening in the 37th minute of play, coming on a
Mackenzie Trom goal. It was the first goal for the senior forward in a little over a year, putting Augustana up 3-0 in the match.
Jessica Madson was credited with her fourth assist of 2013 on the goal.
The Vikings outshot Sioux Falls 13-3 in the first half.
The second half saw conditions worsen as the wind picked up and a light rain sprinkled the field, making scoring chances harder to come by for both teams.
The Cougars scored the lone goal of the half in the 82nd minute of regulation. Claire Howerton was the recipient of an Irene Samaniego pass and put it past goalkeeper
Ashley Limmer into left side of the net, cutting the lead to 3-1. It was the first goal Sioux Falls has scored against the Vikings in the brief history between the teams.
Augustana took control for the rest of the half and came away with a 3-1 win.
Augustana finished with 19-9 advantage in shots for the game.
Annie Thoresen and
Katie Hurd led the Vikings with three shots apiece. Oehlerking's goal snaps a four-game pointless streak for the senior.
Augustana finishes the regular season on Sunday against #19 Southwest Minnesota State (14-1-2, 11-1-2 NSIC). The game starts at 1 p.m. at Morstad Field.
