Box Score FAYETTE, IOWA - For the third in 2019, the University of Sioux Falls Soccer left the pitch with a victory, this time beating Upper Iowa 2-0 in Fayette, Iowa, on Friday. The win moves the Cougars to 3-12-1 overall, and 3-9-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matches in the 2019 campaign. With the win, the Cougars can still tie a Division II program record for overall wins in the season (5; 2017, 2018) and break the program record for NSIC wins (4; 2017, 2018).

Senior McKayla Philippi and junior Jaycie Dillenburg led USF as both scored a goal in the victory. Senior Becca Schmitz and freshman Grace Held each recorded an assist on the two goals. Freshman goalkeeper Holli Knudsen played a big part in her 90 minutes in the net as she registered a clean sheet with 10 saves.

Upper Iowa had the better number in every stat category except for the one that matters the most - goals. The Cougars were able to capitalize on their opportunities, taking only seven shots compared to the Peacocks' 23 shots that amounted to empty possession time for UIU.  

In the 34th minute, the Cougars struck with the connection from Held to Dillenburg for the first goal of the day for USF.

Building on a 1-0 lead, USF added its second goal at 79:44 when Schmitz fed the ball to Philippi who finished as the Cougars padded their lead. From that point on, Knudsen led a stout USF defense which held UIU in check and the Cougars earned its third NSIC win.

The Cougars will return to Sioux Falls for their home finale on Sunday, where the Cougars will honor their seniors after their match against Winona State. In their final two matches, the Cougars could force a shakeup in the NSIC tournament seeding, as Winona State and Southwest Minnesota State, both of which are 6-6 in conference action heading into their Friday evening matchup, are fighting for a spot in the NSIC tournament.