ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia-St. Paul women's soccer team (2-0, 0-0 NSIC) topped familiar NSIC foe the Minot State Beavers 1-0 in a non-conference match up on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Sea Foam Stadium.
Defender Belle Abruzzo was the hero for the Golden Bears, scoring her third career goal in the 41st minute to mark the eventual game-winner. She was assisted on the play by senior Nicole Moore.
Today's assist for Moore marked her fourth career assist and first of the season for the Navy and Gold.
On the win, head coach Steve Bellis stated, "It was another close game for us but one where we generated lots of shots versus a side that doesn't historically give up goals. Our back line turned in another shutout and strong performance." Bellis added, "We now have a full week to implement more ideas for our squad to build upon an impressive start to our season."
It was all Concordia in the first half, out shooting the Beavers 10-1 with a lock-tight defense and high-willed offense.
Neely Kunz, Elena Siekas, Sophia King all riffled off shots in the first half before a CSP corner kick set up a chance for Moore to kick one in the air for Abruzzo to head straight into the goal.
Minot came out from halftime with a new surge and was on the hunt for a score of their own. The Beavers had two quick shots to which both were saved by goalkeeper Sydney Potter.
The Golden Bears were having none of the Beavers' surge and responded with five shots of their own to hold the Red and Black off any scoring chances.
Leading the Navy and Gold on defense was once again Abruzzo and Clare Snapko who each had a 90-minute outing on the pitch.
Midfielder Sophia Haase had her second career 90-minute outing after becoming a mainstay for the Golden Bears.
Goalkeeper Sydney Potter earned her second start of the season in the net while earning her second consecutive shutout win and 14th career shutout. Potter made three saves to bring her season total to seven.
CSP out shot Minot 17-7 on the day with a 4-1 corner kick advantage.
The Golden Bears return to action next Sunday Sept. 13 to face the Rangers of Parkside to wrap-up the non-conference schedule. Kick-off will take place at 1 p.m. from Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul, Minn.
