BISMARCK, N.D. - The Concordia-St. Paul soccer team (2-1-3, 1-1-1 NSIC) suffered a 1-0 loss to UMary (2-2-2, 1-1-1 NSIC) on a gloomy Friday afternoon at MDU Resources Community Bowl.
The loss marked the Golden Bears' first of the season after opening the year with a 2-0-3 record.
UMary held the advantage in shots (10-8) and shots on goal (4-2), while CSP held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
UMary controlled the first half, maintaining possession and keeping play in CSP's defensive end for much of the period. Dina Polanco put UMary on the board in the 14th minute, scoring off assists from Bella Kozlowski and Alex Guinn to give the Marauders an early 1-0 lead. With the goal, Polanco tied CSP's
Sophia Haase for the NSIC lead with six goals on the season.
The Marauders outshot the Golden Bears 8-1, including a 4-0 advantage in shots on goal, while limiting CSP's opportunities in the offensive third. CSP held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks during the first half.
In the second half, CSP created better scoring opportunities, recording seven shots and two corner kicks. The Golden Bears also tightened up defensively, limiting the Marauders to two shots and no shots on goal.
Despite creating more chances, the Golden Bears struggled to generate quality shots on goal and could not capitalize on several late opportunities. CSP continued to apply pressure in the final minutes, but it was not enough as the match concluded with a 1-0 loss.
Senior goalkeeper
Sydney Potter got her 6th start of the season in net, where she made three saves to bring her season total to 18.
Leading the CSP defense was
Maddison Balashaitis and
Morgan Bilczewski who each played a full 90-minute game on the pitch.
Sophia Haase and
Brooke Nelson held down the midfield, each having a full game outing.
Three Golden Bears recorded two shots in the loss, including
Sophia Haase,
Brooke Nelson and
Ashley Bennett.
Sienna Latta and Nelson each recorded one shot on goal, accounting for CSP's only two shots on goal.
The Golden Bears will return to action on Sunday to face the Beavers of Minot State to wrap up the road swing. Kick-off will take place at 1 p.m at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium.
