South Dakota State women’s soccer opened its 2019 campaign in exhibition format Saturday, drawing 2-2 with Kansas City on the road.
Carina McLennan and Abigail Kastens found the net for the Jackrabbits, while newcomers Gabrielle Vivier-Hannay and Maya Hansen added assists. Maggie Smither (five saves) and Jocelyn Tanner split time between the pipes, allowing one goal each.
In total, 25 Jackrabbits saw time in the exhibition.
“I was really excited with what I saw from our players when we were fresh,” head coach Brock Thompson said. “I thought our understanding with how we wanted to play was exceptional and we had a good understanding of our principles on the field. I thought we fatigued a little bit as the game wore on, but we’re playing our way into game fitness and that’s what this part of the season is for.”
The Jackrabbits struck early, taking a 1-0 advantage in the 12th as Vivier-Hannay found fellow Canadian McLennan with a cross into the box for a one-touch goal.
That score held until the second half, when Kansas City drew even (1-1) in the 52nd. The tie was short-lived, however, as Hansen connected with Kastens three minutes later to put SDSU back in front.
Late in the game, however, the Roos again pulled alongside the Jacks when Halle Hamilton found the net in the 85th. With the game set as an exhibition, the teams did not play golden-goal overtime periods and left the final score even, 2-all.
Up Next
The Jackrabbits begin the regular season Friday against Utah State to open a two-game homestand. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. from Fishback Soccer Park.
