The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team fell this afternoon at Malosky Stadium by a score of 2-1 against Southwest Minnesota State University. Emilia McGiffert had the lone goal for the Bulldogs at the 64:43 mark--her second collegiate goal. She scored her first goal as a Bulldog at Northern Michigan on September 4.
SMSU scored just 40 seconds into the game, after a defensive miscommunication saw Sophia Grenz come out of the box and allow a Mustang player to slot one in behind her to take a 1-0 game from nearly the opening whistle.
"We're chasing the game early again, and we're not equipped for that," said Head Coach Greg Cane after the game. "We're learning how to do that, but we're not equipped to chase games from early. It takes us out of the mentality that we're going to be able to possess, and that's frustrating."
SMSU controlled possession in the early moments of the game, pressuring the Bulldogs early and often. Sarah Stange had a great shot attempt from the right edge of the box in the seventh minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced away. Mandy Conkel nearly had the rebound off a header, but it went off the crossbar as well as the score remained 1-0 in favor of the Mustangs.
The first half saw a back and forth game with action at both ends of the field as the Bulldogs were able to regain some of their momentum. UMD had solid chances as the half went on, but the SMSU defense kept the ball out of any significantly dangerous situations.
Erin Walpole also got a shot off in the 31st minute, with Baamlak Haugen nearly redirecting the ball into the back of the net but the SMSU goalie--who made a total of four saves in the game--was able to cover the ball. Emilia McGiffert, who ultimately scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs, nearly found herself in a breakaway position in the 34th minute but was foiled by a Mustang defender.
The game settled into midfield as the second half began, but both teams played chippy, with Erin Walpole picking up a yellow card in the 59th minute. McGiffert's goal came at 64:43 as she slotted the ball into the top left corner.
UMD had a chance to equalize in the 75th minute, after a handball in the box gave the Bulldogs a penalty kick opportunity. Holly Kaboord took the shot, which was just barely knocked out of the way by the Mustang goalie to preserve their 2-1 lead.
Coach Cane touched on the Bulldogs' struggle to get the ball into the back of the net so far this season after the game: "It's frustrating, we got ourselves back in the game which was very encouraging, given that we've struggled to do that in games, but it's just not there for us right now. You can see players are struggling to get the final touch or finishing piece, and it's frustrating."
Nine different Bulldogs recorded 15 total shots today, with 5 of those going on frame. Captain Holly Kaboord led the way with four shots total and one shot on goal. Mandy Conkel, Lauren Singstock, and Erin Walpole each recorded two shots; Jackie Jares, Sarah Stange, Anna Tobias, Emilia McGiffert, and Rachel Boelke all had one. Despite a bevy of attempts to try to level the game in the second half, excellent play from the SMSU goalie ultimately was the difference-maker in today's match.
Eliana Marciano has stepped into a starting role for the Bulldogs this season, starting in seven of nine games so far after only playing in three during her freshman season. She has cemented herself as an integral part of the back line and midfield for UMD and is a constant presence for the opposing team to contend with.
With half of the 18 regular season games now complete, Coach Cane is looking forward to the remaining nine games of the season: "We're competing, we're playing hard, and we have a great spirit and great attitude so that's what we have to invest in with this team. Hopefully the results of the last nine games aren't something that weighs on us in the remaining nine games."
The Bulldogs now head on the road for back-to-back away series. UMD plays Bemidji State next Friday, October 8 at 3pm. For the full schedule, click here.
