Jackrabbits rally to beat Northern Colorado

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BROOKINGS – South Dakota State looks to be well-prepared for the upcoming conference play.

The Jackrabbits scored two second-half goals to rally to a 2-1 nonconference win over Northern Colorado on Sunday at Fishback Soccer Park.

The win pushes SDSU’s record to 3-4-3 heading into its Summit League opener at Denver on Sept. 29.

“I’ve loved the way we’re playing in the last few weekends and there’s lots of ways to look at it – you could say, ‘Here’s what the record is,’” said SDSU head coach Brock Thompson. “The truth is, we’ve lost once in the last three weeks; yes, we’ve let some results get away – we’ve drawn some games – but more importantly than those things, I like the way we’re playing.

“I feel like we’re keeping teams pinned in; I feel like we’re able to press and turn them over higher; and I feel like we’re starting to score goals and I know there is more in us.”

The Bears, who dropped to 6-3, got on the scoreboard in the 27th minute of the first half off a free kick by Mariel Gutierrez from just outside of the 18-yard box.

The Jacks, who held an 8-5 edge in shots in the first half, continued to push in the second and finally scored the equalizer in the 49th minute of the game when Leah Manuleleua headed in a corner kick from Julia Lam to even the match at a goal apiece.

In the 76th minute, Bianca Madonia dribbled in from the left corner and kicked a low cross that Nicole Hatcher needed just one touch on the ball to put it into the net for what proved to be the game-winning goal.

For the match, SDSU outshot the Bears, 19-8, as Taylor Lock had two saves in the first half and Maggie Smither stopped two UNC shots in the second to pick up the win in net.

The Jacks also finished with nine corner kicks to UNC’s two – both in the first half.

“We’ve been getting in places to create chances the last few weeks, but really, the determination that we’ve had in and around the box has come to another level,” Thompson said. “I thought Leah (Manuleleua) and Nicole Hatcher did a great job, and then Bianca (Madonia) getting into the box with the expectation of scoring goals – whether that’s off a cross or that’s off a dribble – you can see it in their body language.

“There’s a different body posture when they are in and around the goal – they expect the ball to come to them and they’re prepared for it.”