SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Playing at home on Friday for the final time in the 2018 regular-season, the Augustana Vikings dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 21 Minnesota State. The Vikings fall to 10-4-3 (9-3-2 NSIC) and the Mavericks improve to 14-2-1

Augustana head coach Brandon Barkus said today's loss was tough, but ready to bounce back Sunday. "I'm looking forward to working on our system and style of play," said Barkus, "Im very much looking forward to postseason and I'm optimistic that we will come together as a team."

Although the Vikings dropped Friday's match to the Mavericks, there will still be more soccer at Morstad Field this season. Augustana is set to host the opening round of the NSIC tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Teams and start times are still to be determined. This season, Augustana is 5-1-2 while playing at home.

Friday's game started well for the Vikings - they recorded an early shot on goal - but it was the pressure and skill from Minnesota State that broke through. Less than 9 minutes in, Alesha Duccini fired from 20 yards out and found the top-left corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

The Vikings continued to make runs and look for opportunities, but the Mavericks slowed them down. NSIC Goalkeeper of the week Claudia Pueschner did record five saves in the first half to keep it a one score game.

15 minutes into the second half, the Mavericks netted their second and final goal of the game. The goal came from Dakota Wendell, she dribbled it through the Vikings defense and tapped it into the net.

Overall, Augustana finished the game with 14 shots, but just two on goal. Minnesota State had 17 shots with 10 coming on goal.

Junior Grace Behm led the Vikings in shots with 7.

The Vikings will now head to the twin cities on Sunday to wrap up their conference regular season against Concordia-St. Paul at 1 p.m.