The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team opened the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament Quarterfinals with its first postseason win since 2014, a 2-0 shutout of Augustana University in James S. Malosky Stadium in Duluth, Minn.
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The Bulldogs, whose last postseason win also came against the Vikings in the Quarterfinals Nov. 5, 2014, a 1-0 upset in Sioux Falls, S.D., struck in the 24th minute and never looked back.
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Junior Gwendolyn Lilly finished in a cross from Amelia Castleberg at 23:17 to take the 1-0 lead, giving UMD an early advantage despite an even 5-5 shot count and a 6-1 foul count that favored AU.Â
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Helvig headed one in of her own in the 53rd minute off a corner form Mariss VanDeHei to extend the Bulldogs lead to 2-0, and it would be all the offense UMD would need to secure the win.
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Goaltender Ey Halverson – named the NSIC Goaltender of the Week just hours before the game kicked off – recorded five saves for UMD, who outshot the Vikings 14-10 and had eight corner kicks to AU's six.Â
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UMD (11-5-2) will play Bemidji State University in Mankato, Minn. Friday in the first game of the quarterfinals. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
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BULLDOG NOTES: Monday night was UMD's first win at home against Augustana since Oct. 6, 2013, a 3-2 overtime triumph … the Bulldogs will be looking for their first NSIC semifinal win since the 2013 season … UMD has not given up a goal over its past four games … the Bulldogs have played a little over 397 minutes without allowing a goal over their current shutout streak … Nora Helvig is now tied for the team points lead with 18 points on seven goals and four assists, and had her second multiple point game of the season Monday night.
