The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team took to Griggs Field for one last regular season home game against the University of Sioux Falls.
The Bulldogs entered this afternoon's Senior Day match off of a 2-1 win over Southwest Minnesota State. UMD's recent positive swing has brought them to sixth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and a potential playoff position.
Miriam Marsan had a clean take away in the offensive zone and passed it to senior Jackie Jares net-front, who had no problem scoring just a 1:09 into the game. Jares' goal was the fifth fastest to start a game in program history.
They continued to have the better offensive chances in the first half. USF had no shots on goal and UMD led total shots (8-4). The Cougars were visibly frustrated as the game neared the 45 minute mark, but calls were few and far between.
At half time, the Bulldogs recognized their program's nine seniors: Rachel Boelke, Abby Gotham, Lauren Hansen (5th), Jackie Jares, Jennifer Norris, Abbey Radermacher, Sarah Stange (5th), Emma Symalla, and Tori Thorson.
Early in the second half, USF had tripled UMD in fouls (9-3). The Bulldogs received the first yellow card of the game, however, and the Cougars were awarded a penalty kick. Norris stopped the shot but the ball was still loose. USF took the rebound and tied the game, 1-1.
It was quickly followed up by a penalty kick at the other end, with Anna Tobias lining up. She sent the ball towards the lower right of the net in the hopes to regain the lead, but was stopped by the Cougars' goalkeeper.
The chances were more level once the score was even, with the teams trading chances. Gameplay continued to be physical. There were several stoppages for fouls on either side.
With three minutes left, Hansen took a corner kick that went to a net-front Myra Moorjani who helped the ball go up and in. Another goal for the Bulldogs following a corner kick. UMD regained the lead and successfully held it as the clock wound down.
The Bulldogs play on the road next Thursday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. against Winona State.