BOX SCORE

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –  Samantha Arnold provided the spark for the Augustana soccer team off the bench, as the Vikings overcame an early deficit in a 2-1 win over Minot State on Saturday at Morstad Field. With the victory, Augustana improved its record to 12-3 (10-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference), while the Beavers dropped to 7-6-2 (6-5-1 NSIC) with the loss.

Arnold was the star in a reserve role, scoring both of the Viking goals in the contest while playing 46 minutes. The Council Bluffs, Iowa native now has six goals on the year, second highest on the team.

Stephanie Stevens kept her point streak alive with an assist on the first Arnold goal, giving her a point now in four straight games for Augustana.

The Vikings also kept their home record unblemished this year with the victory (6-0). Augustana is now 13-1 (.928) in its past 14 matches at Morstad Field, making it one of the tougher places to play in all of the NSIC.

Minot State got out to the early lead on a funky goal in the ninth minute of regulation. Kristin Long took a pass from Jayden Montejano and fired from about 30 yards out from the keeper in the center of the field. Long's ball had the right angle, and went in over Vikings' goalkeeper Ashley Limmer's reach to give the Beavers the 1-0 lead.

Augustana, not appearing rattled by the score, kept pressing its attack and getting up shots, forcing Minot State to drop a lot of its players in the box and take a defensive-minded approach.

The Vikings were finally rewarded for their efforts with Arnold getting the equalizer at the 31:28 mark in the first half. The freshman forward took a Stevens' ball and scored it from five yards out in the center of the box. It was Stevens' fourth assist of the season on the play.

Neither team got many chances the final 13 minutes in the first half, going into the break tied at 1-1.

Augustana outshot the Beavers 11-8 in the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, the Vikings continued their assault on Minot State's side of the field, getting several scoring chances early that came up just short.

Arnold finally delivered play of the day with her game-winning goal in the 66th minute that put Augustana up for good. The former Thomas Jefferson High standout took a throw-in from Caroline Renner and scored it on the right side of the box to seal the 2-1 win for the Vikings.

Augustana's 20 shots in the match were more on par with what it has normally done this year when being aggressive with the ball.

The Vikings return to action tomorrow in a showdown with the University of Mary (4-7-3, 3-6-2 NSIC). Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Morstad Field.