SIOUX CENTER, Iowa. – The University of Sioux Falls women's soccer team opened its exhibition schedule with a spirited battle on the road, falling 2-1 to Dordt on Friday evening. Despite trailing early, the Cougars showed resilience by leveling the score in the second half before the Defenders capitalized late to grab the winner.

THE BASICS

Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Score: Sioux Falls 1, Dordt 2 (Exhibition)
USF Goals: Chloe Wilson (51:40, PK)

HIGHLIGHTS

Dordt struck first in the 27th minute when Joslyn Terpstra converted off a setup from Karinna Tel, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Sioux Falls answered back after halftime with composure and energy, pushing higher up the field and creating chances.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when freshman midfielder Chloe Wilson drew a penalty and calmly slotted home from the spot to pull the Cougars even at 1-1. Wilson paced the attack with four total shots and consistently put Dordt's back line under pressure.

Momentum continued to swing in USF's direction as Julia Bowman and Olivia Opichka each forced key saves, but Dordt's defense held firm. With five minutes remaining, the Defenders regained the edge when Maria Zylstra finished a feed from Ashlyn Marjama to secure the 2-1 result.

Following the match, head coach Joe DeMay reflected on the performance:

"This is the test we needed to play through some nerves and work through different things. The first half we played rattled and without the composure we showed through pre-season. The halftime discussion helped us settle things down to clarify our intentions individually and collectively. We did well to control play through that second 45 minutes, created an equalizer and numerous chances to go in front. Ultimately we had a very brief spell where the frantic play crept back in at the end and Dordt to their credit took advantage of it. Overall the match will provide us with the opportunities to learn and improve to keep moving forward."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Shots: USF 13, Dordt 7

• Shots on Goal: USF 7, Dordt 2

• Saves: Dordt 5, USF 0

• Corner Kicks: USF 4, Dordt 1

• Fouls: USF 9, Dordt 9

UP NEXT

The Cougars open the regular season at home on Friday, September 5, hosting their first match at Bob Young Field with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

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