Cougars Drop 2-1 Heartbreaker To Bemidji State

SIOUX FALLS, SD --  The University of Sioux Falls women’s soccer team (0-9-0) lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to Bemidji State (6-2-1) on Saturday afternoon at USF Field.

The Beavers drew first blood in the fourth minute when striker Mary O’Brien, the second leader scorer in the NSIC, booted a low ball with eyes from two yards outside the box that darted away from diving USF keeper Corrin Cook and into the net.

The Cougars maintained their intensity throughout the first half but each time their attack gained control inside the box, they were swarmed by numerous defenders and unable to get a clear shot on goal. That organization prevented the Cougars from notching an equalizer and BSU walked off the field still clutching their one-goal lead at the half.

Coming out of the break, the Cougars maintained offensive possession for much of the second half, giving themselves plenty of scoring opportunities off of drives toward the goal and scoring attempts off corner kicks. But the BSU defense would not break and the Beavers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the 57th minute when midfielder Megan Castro sliced her way through the box and bent a ball for an unassisted top shelf tally.

USF refused to quit and broke up the shut-out in the 69th minute when junior forward Mikenna Greathouse took a pass from sophomore Katie O’Neill, who notched her second assist this season, and blasted a shot dead center for her team-leading second goal of the year.

The Cougars had a chance to tie the match in the final minutes when Greathouse got a great look at the goal but her shot sailed just wide right.

USF had 13 shots in the match, five on frame, while Bemidji State posted 11 shots (six on goal). The Cougars recorded seven corner kicks.

Greathouse led the Cougar offense with one goal and five shots. Cook (0-7-0) made four saves. The Cougar defense was bolstered by the return of senior defender Micole Jones, who was injured the first eight games of the season.

USF will host Minnesota-Crookston on Sunday with a 1 p.m. scheduled kickoff.

Courtesy:  University of Sioux Falls