Mavs go winless on road trip
The Minnesota State women’s soccer team took their show on the road for a two-game road stint against Northern State University and Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
The Mavericks were unable to win either match. It’s only the second time this season they have gone two consecutive matches without a win.
The first of two matches took place against Northern State University Friday. It ended in a 1-1 draw. The Mavs generated 24 shots compared to the Wolves’ 10. Both teams shot eight attempts on target, but the Mavs had the 8-3 advantage in the corner kick department.
“It was a tough one tonight. I thought we really played well enough to get a better result than what we came away with,” head coach Brian Bahl said in a press release posted on the Mavericks Athletics website.
After a scoreless first half, Northern State’s Calista Kocmick broke the deadlock early in the second half with a goal in the 48th minute. Kocmick’s goal was the first the Mavs had conceded from open play all season. The two other goals that they let in up that point had been from the penalty spot. The Mavs salvaged a draw thanks to a late equalizer by Anna Van Wyngarden in the 86th minute — her fourth of the season.
“I was proud of our ladies for battling back to at least find the tie after falling down a goal, especially when it was a first runoff play goal we have given up this year. It really could have rattled us, but we stayed focused and found a way to pull on back,” Bahl said.
The Mavs then suffered their second loss of the season in their next match a 2-1 defeat against MSU Moorhead Sunday. It was the Dragons first win over the Mavs since Oct. 14, 1997.
In this match, the Mavs opened up the scoring in the 29th minute. Maddix Archer found the back of the net from the penalty spot. The Mavs went into halftime with the lead, but the Dragons quickly flipped the script early in the second half. Moorhead’s Tabea Czech got the comeback going when she scored the tying goal off of a corner kick. Czech then assisted Madeline Etter’s game-winning goal in the 54th minute.
The Mavs outshot the Dragons 26-10, but only nine of those attempts were on goal. They were once again unable to capitalize on the chances they created. It’s been an issue for them all season.
“We’ve struggled all season to take advantage and capitalize on the chances we create. It’s been the theme this season. We’ll keep working to get better. I believe in our team, and I know we’ve got a higher ceiling than what we’ve reached so far,” Bahl said.
Next up for the Mavs is a home game against the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Header photo: The Minnesota State women’s soccer team competed against both Northern State University and Minnesota State University, Moorhead over the weekend. Their next game is at home against University of Minnesota Crookston. (Courtesy Maverick Athletics)
Write to Mohamed Warsame at Mohamed.warsame@mnsu.edu