WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University women's soccer team fell to the University of Sioux Falls, 2-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) opener for both teams.
The Warriors (1-2, 0-1 NSIC) outshot the Cougars (1-3, 1-0 NSIC) 18-10 on the day and collected eight corner kicks but were unable to capitalize on the offensive pressure. USF goalkeeper Alexis Wernhoff faced a barrage of quality chances in the contest but was able to keep WSU off the board.
The two teams traded almost identical first half statistics, including saves, as
Yanel Ortiz made four stops in the first half as did her counterpart Wernhoff. After the break, a counterattacking Sioux Falls side took a pair of opportunistic chances that changed the complexion of the game. In the 51st minute, USF's Aundria Vargas found the back of the net from 25 yards out, breaking the deadlock. The goal turned up the Warrior's motor in midfield, and WSU dominated possession for most of the second stanza from that point forward.
Missy Greco forced a quality save from Wemhoff just moments later as the Cougar goalkeeper was only able to push Greco's effort on to the bar and out for a corner.
However, with WSU committing more players forward in attack, Sioux Falls stole a second goal on the counter, with Hannah Welch latching on to a loose ball in midfield and was able to maneuver behind the Winona State backline to slot a shot home past an approaching Ortiz. With the scoreline at 2-0, both sidelines made adjustments to both personnel and tactics. Winona State continued to press but ran out of time, falling 2-0 to USF.
With the win, the University of Sioux Falls moves to 1-3 overall, 1-0 in NSIC action. The Cougars will continue their road trip on Sunday, taking on Upper Iowa University in Fayette. For Winona State, they move to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Conference play. The Warriors will look to regroup and prepare to host Southwest Minnesota State on Sunday. Kickoff with the Mustangs is set for 1pm CST in Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words:
Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
