BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Augustana women's soccer team flooded the field after finding the back of the net on an overtime goal, moving their win streak to five games with a 1-0 win over U-Mary on Friday. Sioux Falls native
Peyton Stenzel sent in a corner kick that found the head of
Reiley Klose, and the senior buried it for her second goal of the year. The victory extends the Vikings win streak to five games, while also marking their third consecutive shutout. The Vikings improve to 5-1-1 (4-0-0 NSIC) and are back to play on Sunday at Minot State. U-Mary drops to 2-3-1 (1-2-1 NSIC) on the season.
Vikings head coach
Brandon Barkus was pleased with the result, and proud of his team for staying focused throughout a tough match. "I believe in this group so much!" Barkus said. "They are such a passionate, intelligent, and determined team, and I'm so proud of their gritty performance and ability to stay true to our style of play throughout the match."
The game was a defensive battle for both sides, and featured another great game from phenomenal redshirt freshman
Claudia Pueschner. The reigning NSIC goalkeeper of the week was once again lights out, stopping all six shots she faced. The Apple Valley, Minn. native has now recorded shutouts in three straight games, and four overall on the year. The Augustana school record was set last year by
Taylor Machacek, who racked up 14 blank slates. Pueschner also lowered her goals against average (GAA) to .764, which currently ranks third in the Northern Sun Conference. Overall, she has faced 44 shots on goal this season and has saved all but five.
On offense, the Vikings took only five shots, which was the lowest total this season. However, they only need one shot in overtime for the win. After no score following 90 minutes of action, the two sides headed into overtime. Just minutes in, the Vikings had a great chance off a corner kick. After Stenzel sent the ball into play, it was Klose breaking free and using her head for great placement and the game-winner. For U-Mary, they totaled 11 shots, with Sweden native Lisa Swärdh leading the way with two.
The Vikings will now stay in North Dakota for another two days as they'll take on Minot State on Sunday at 1 p.m. Individually, the Beavers are led by Sofia Lewis with 17 points and 6 goals, and goalkeeper Erin Rafferty has been strong in net, allowing just six goals (.99 GAA). All-time, the Vikings lead the series with the Beavers 6-3. When the teams last met on September 17, 2017 the Vikings won 1-0.
