ST. PAUL, Minn. South Dakota State broke through a deadlocked clash with an 82nd minute goal to earn a 1-0 shutout win over St. Thomas on Sunday in a Summit League womens soccer match at the Tommies South Field.
The Jackrabbits had a majority of the scoring opportunities in the meeting, but were initially unable to capitalize. SDSU had a 9-2 edge in shots in the first half as St. Thomas goalkeeper Kendall Ellis made three of six team saves in the opening 45 minutes.
Action in the second half was more even sided. While SDSU still outshot St. Thomas 5-4 in the half, Jackrabbit goalkeeper Emma Knack was forced to make two saves after starter Stephanie Leckwold made one in the first half.
SDSU found the game winner on a heads up play by a freshman forward.
Junior captain Lauren Eckerle dribbled towards the box and took advantage of some open space by hitting a strike towards goal. Her shot hit the crossbar and the ball came sailing back to the pitch. Adrianne Agbayani split her way between two Tommie defenders and hit a header into a wide open net with just over eight minutes remaining.
South Dakota State held control late by producing two corner kick opportunities and not allowing a St. Thomas shot during the final moments of the contest.
The Jackrabbits improved to 10-2-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play behind the victory. The Tommies dropped to 4-6-2 (0-2-1).
Leave a Reply