SIOUX FALLS - For the third time in four years, University of Sioux Falls Soccer suffered a one-goal loss to Northern State, falling 1-0 at NSU on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars drop to 0-4-1, 0-2-0 in the NSIC and the Wolves remain undefeated on the season, moving to 4-0 and 2-0 in the NSIC.
 
After two straight overtime losses in 2013 and 2014, USF surrendered two goals in the final 15 minutes last year to duffer a 4-2 defeat. In this season's iteration of the USF-NSU, the Wolves again found the back of the net in the final 20 minutes of the game, scoring the gamewinner in the 73rd minute.
 
The Cougars controlled the tempo in the first half, holding a 10-5 advantage in shots in the first 45 minutes. Alexandria Scott had a shot on goal in the opening minutes of the game and Becca Schmitz fired one on target in the 12th minute, but neither found the back of the net.
 
After halftime, NSU was able to move forward and tilt the shots advantage in their favor, taking an 18-7 advantage in the second half to finish with a 23-17 edge overall. After USF successfully defending a free kick in the 71st minute, Northern State was awarded another at the top of the box and they were able to capitalize.
 
The first attempt by Allison Byrd was deflected by USF keeper Morgan Perkins and Anna Bondy's second effort caromed off the crossbar, but Sydney Shintaffer's shot beat Perkins and put NSU on top, 1-0.
 
After the goal, USF fired three more shots, looking for an equalizer. Two of Scott's team-leading four shots went wide and Nataly Escamilla's 89th-minute deep effort was saved by the NSU goalie.
 
Perkins finished with four saves for USF, all coming in the second half. Escamilla and Jackie Montes each fired three shots as USF recorded a season-high 17 shots.
 
The Cougars continue their road trip on Sunday, Sept. 18 when they take on MSU Moorhead at 1 p.m. in Moorhead, Minn.