Box Score WEATHERFORD, Okla. - SWOSU soccer dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 15 Minnesota State – Mankato on Friday afternoon. The game was delayed for 46 minutes in the middle of the second half due to weather. Shortly after play resumed, Minnesota State recorded the game wining goal.
Defense was the focus for the Bulldogs as they looked to stifle a potent Mavericks forward line.
Charlotte Eastman and
Randa Castleberry maintained an organized back line that held up for the bulk of the game. Korey Kronforst, an All-Central region forward for Minnesota State last season, was held to just two shots in her 81 minutes of action, neither of which was on frame.
The defense, under siege for most of the game, held strong for 76 minutes. In the 77
th minute, Sydney Temple dribbled down the left side of the field.
Ryle Danker did a good job of marshalling Temple to the end line, but Temple was ultimately able to slip by her and swing in a low cross onto the head of Emily Morris. Morris made no mistake in front of goal, and notched her first goal of the season.
On the restart, the Bulldogs upped the pressure to chase the tying goal, but it wasn't meant to be.
Eva Rule picked up the ball in the midfield and made a couple of mazy runs through the middle of the defense that were ushered out into less threatening areas. Rule managed to get off one shot, but it was wide of the goal and went out for a goal kick. Following the kick, the Mavericks successfully got to the corner flag in the Bulldogs' defensive third of the field and held the ball until the whistle signaled the end of the match.
Courtney Flores came away from the match with a new personal best for saves in a single game. The reigning GAC Goalkeeper of the Year recorded nine saves on 10 shots on goal. Overall, Flores faced 22 shots. She picked up her first loss of the season.
Action resumes on Sunday when the Bulldogs face Minot State at the Athletic Complex at 1 PM.
