Mavericks soccer falls in season finale

Aaron Young
Staff Writer

With the top spot in the NSIC up for grabs, both teams put it on the line in the season finale, but it was Golden Bears’ freshman Katie Anderson who scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute over the outstretched arms of MSU goalie Alexa Rabune. 

Concordia-St. Paul now has bragging rights over Minnesota State as they are now ranked No. 1 in the NSIC. In addition to bragging rights, history was made for the Golden Bears, as they beat the Mavericks for the first time. 

For the Mavericks, this is their first loss in 10 games and they end the regular season with a 15-3 record and 12-3 in the conference.

In the first half, the weather played a factor. Athletes ran on a slippery surface in the cold afternoon. It was an even game, with the Mavericks holding a 5-4 shot advantage at halftime. 

Anderson’s goal would be the only point tallied in the game and it gave the Golden Bears the win. Sophomores Brynn Desens and Jenny Vetter took one and five shots at the goal, respectively.

Rabune had three saves despite giving up the only goal. 

The MSU offense gave CSP goalkeeper Jordyn Clark everything they had, but Clark protected the net and made three saves.

Despite taking more shots, the Mavericks had less shots on goal (4-3). However, they were given four more corner kicks but failed to capitalize on them.  

Concordia-St. Paul and Minnesota State went to extreme lengths in extreme temperatures, with both teams committing 11 fouls during the game. 

The women’s soccer team will fall in the rankings on the heels of the first round of the NSIC playoffs. They will be taking on University of Mary on Wednesday.

Header photo: Minnesota State forward Brynn Desens (10) kicks the ball during the second half of a game against Concordia-St. Paul at the Pitch Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)