BEMIDJI, Minn. – Sioux Falls wrapped up its northern road trip on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Bemidji State at Chet Anderson Stadium.

THE BASICS

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Score: Bemidji State 1, Sioux Falls 0
Records: USF 2-3-0 (0-2-0 NSIC), BSU 4-1-0 (2-0-0 NSIC)
Goal: BSU – Katrina Barthelt (60')

HOW IT HAPPENED

The two sides battled evenly through the first half, trading chances and entering halftime scoreless. USF produced four shots in the opening 45 minutes, including an on-target strike from Mara Nelson in the 43rd minute that was turned aside.

Head coach Joe DeMay praised his team's response after Friday's setback at Minnesota Duluth: "We showed a lot of character today bouncing back from a tough result Friday. Those experiences challenge us to choose a response and today's performance showed that we are determined to change the narrative of the program."

Bemidji State broke through in the 60th minute when Katrina Barthelt scored off a corner sequence, which proved to be the game-winner. The Cougars continued to press, generating six second-half shots and forcing three saves from the Beavers' defense.

DeMay noted the physical nature of the contest and the way his group responded: "It was a physical game and we stood up to that and gave it back as well. Their corners were dangerous but we defended them well."

Despite the result, USF showed signs of growth in its attacking play, outpacing BSU in corners and creating quality chances. "Generating double-digit shots and more corners than our opponent is an indicator of the aggression and fight in this group of people," DeMay said.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Shots: BSU 14, USF 10

• Shots on Goal: BSU 4, USF 3

• Saves: USF 3 (Jost), BSU 3 (Buettner)

• Corner Kicks: USF 7, BSU 6

• Fouls: USF 18, BSU 14

KEY COUGARS

• Chloe Wilson and Mariah Siem each put shots on target to test the BSU goalkeeper.

• Goalkeeper Morgan Jost made three second-half saves to keep the Cougars within striking distance.

UP NEXT

USF returns home for a pair of NSIC matchups at Bob Young Field. The Cougars host Minnesota Crookston on Friday, September 26, with kickoff at 7 p.m., before facing MSU Moorhead on Sunday, September 28, at 1 p.m.

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