FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The South Dakota State women’s soccer team opened Summit League play with a 2-1 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday night.
Marisa Schulz netted the game-winning goal in the 81st minute.
The Jackrabbits’ Hannah Evans opened the scoring in the 39th minute. The Mastodons pulled even on Kayla Wisniewski’s goal in the 80th minute.
“It was a great lesson for our team today, that the game of soccer can turn on any play,” coach Brock Thompson told SDSU Sports Information. “Credit Purdue Fort Wayne for finding the equalizer late, but what a response from our team and a big-time goal for Marisa.”
SDSU was called for a foul in the box to give PFW a penalty kick opportunity in the 84th; however, goalkeeper Maggie Smither stepped up in the clutch and tipped the shot over the crossbar to keep the lead intact.
SDSU outshot PFW 19-10. Both teams had six shots on goal.
Smither made five saves to earn the win.
Haley Lydon stopped four shots for the Mastodons.
Both teams were whistled for 12 fouls. PFW’s Lindsay Yankasky (76th minute) and Wisniewski (80th) both received a yellow card.
The Mastodons dropped to 3-5-3 (0-1).
South Dakota State (6-4-1, 1-0) takes on Western Illinois on Sunday at noon in Macomb, Ill.
Photo from www.gojacks.com.
