SIOUX FALLS – In a defensive battle, the University of Sioux Falls Soccer Team dropped a 2-0 decision to Northwest Missouri State in the season opener at the USF Sports Complex.  

The game started as a defensive battle and both teams getting a feel for one another after an extended time off playing a real game due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bearcats struck first at the 24' mark when Kaylie Rock put one into the back of the net to put the away team up, 1-0.

The Bearcats added a second goal in the opening half at the 43' mark heading for a 2-0 advantage. The Bearcats outshot the Cougars 13 to one in the first half as they continued controlled the action for most of the half. Grace Held had the sole shot for the Cougars at the 11^th minute.

In the second half started, the Cougars and Bearcats traded field position, although the Bearcats were able to place more pressure on the USF's defense. They had 14 shots for the second 45 minutes. The Cougars, although unsuccessful in their attempts, had three corner kicks of their own. USF finished with three shots for the game, including two in the second half. Those shots were by Abby Whittington and Addison Westermeyer.

The Cougars will be back in action this Sunday when they visit Fort Hays State in Hays, Kan., with a starting time of noon.