DULUTH, Minn.-- Augustana soccer defeated the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon with a score of two goals to none. The victory marks Augustana's seventh-consecutive win and eighth shutout victory of the season.
The Vikings' record improves to 10-3-2 overall and 9-1-2 in NSIC action, a game out of first place. Minnesota-Duluth falls to 2-11-1 overall and 2-8-2 in conference play.
Junior Josie Arduser led the Vikings with the first goal of the game in the 81st minute of action. Senior Alexis Legg and freshman Sierra Barkus picked up the assists on the goal.
Legg settled the ball after a high ball and served it to Barkus. With a one-touch pass off of her left foot, Barkus was able to sneak the ball past the defenders where Arduser was able to beat the goalkeeper. The goal is Arduser's second of the season.
Legg netted the second goal of the match just three minutes later. She sealed the victory for Augustana with a shot that went low and right to beat UMD's goalkeeper. With the late goal, Legg lead's the Vikings in goals this season with seven.
The Vikings led the Bulldogs in shots on goal with 11. UMD tallied six shots on goal and 13 shots. Juniors Sylvia Fehr and Bailey McCullough each recorded at least two shots on goal.
"It was a game of patience," Augustana head coach Brandon Barkus said. "We moved the ball incredibly well, however Minnesota-Duluth closed much of the space and we struggled to go forward.
"I thought we used our passing patterns well and poked and probed with solid determination and focus. In the end it was our fitness and patience that finally prevailed. UMD truly battled, and it's just so difficult to get a win at their place, so I am very excited to get the win!"
Goalkeeper Jillian Barkus notched her eighth shutout of the season against the Bulldogs. Barkus made six saves in the 90 minutes of play.
"I am pretty pumped about this group, the talent and leadership on this team is amazing. I hope to keep this streak of wins rolling!" Barkus added.
Augustana returns to action on Friday with its last home game of the regular season when Upper Iowa makes its way to Morstad Field. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. The Vikings will travel to Winona, Minnesota on Sunday for an NSIC matchup against Winona State at 1 p.m. Action can be followed at GoAugie.com/Live or on the GoAugie app, presented by CellOnly, found in the app store.
--GoAugie.com--
