SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Soccer team celebrated Senior Day with a statement victory Sunday afternoon, shutting out Northern State, 1-0, at Bob Young Field.
Maren Hayward broke the scoreless match in the 54th minute with her first goal of the season, while Delani Daubman and the Cougar defense made the lead stand. The clean sheet marked Sioux Falls' first shutout of Northern State since 2017 as the Cougars handed the Wolves just their second loss of the season. USF improved to 4-3-4 overall and 2-2-4 in NSIC play, while Northern State moved to 6-2-2 overall and 5-1-2 in conference action.
The Basics
Final Score: Sioux Falls 1, Northern State 0
Records: USF (4-3-4, 2-2-4 NSIC) | NSU (6-2-2, 5-1-2 NSIC)
Location: Bob Young Field – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Attendance: 197
Occasion: Senior Day
How It Happened
Sioux Falls established the early pressure, generating the first two shots of the afternoon through Lily Dahler. Dahler had an attempt blocked in the ninth minute before putting another chance on frame seconds later, forcing the Northern State goalkeeper into her first save.
The Cougars continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half. Camryn Kennedy tested Burns in the 22nd minute before Addison Van Zee put another attempt on goal in the 37th. Hayward followed with a shot in the 41st minute as USF carried a 5-2 advantage in shots into halftime. Northern State produced its best chance of the opening period in the final minute, but Daubman secured a save to send the teams into the break scoreless.
Sioux Falls found the breakthrough shortly after halftime. The Cougars earned a corner in the 54th minute and capitalized moments later when Martina Krattley connected with Hayward, who buried the finish at 53:28 to put USF in front, 1-0. The goal was Hayward's first of the season and ultimately stood as the game-winner.
The Cougar defense took over from there. Northern State was limited to just two shots over the final 45 minutes, both coming during the final 10 minutes of play. Daubman denied Chloe Voss in the 81st minute before turning away Lauren Carpenter less than three minutes later to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Sioux Falls closed out the remaining minutes to complete the Senior Day victory and secure its first shutout over Northern State since 2017. The Cougars held the Wolves to just four total shots and three attempts on goal across the full 90 minutes.
Inside the Numbers
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Senior Day Victory: Sioux Falls improved to 4-3-4 overall and 2-2-4 in NSIC action with the home win.
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Ending the Drought: The clean sheet was USF's first shutout of Northern State since 2017.
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Strong Defensive Showing: The Cougars limited Northern State to four shots, including just two in each half.
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Clean Sheet: Delani Daubman made three saves across 90 minutes to record the shutout.
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Hayward Delivers: Maren Hayward scored her first goal of the season and the game-winner in the 54th minute.
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Creating Chances: USF outshot Northern State 8-4 and held a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
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Set Pieces: The Cougars earned four corner kicks compared to two for the Wolves.
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Disciplined Play: Sioux Falls was whistled for just four fouls compared to eight for Northern State.
Key Cougars
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Maren Hayward: Came off the bench to score the game-winning goal, finishing with two shots in 38 minutes.
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Delani Daubman: Made three saves across the full 90 minutes to earn the shutout victory.
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Martina Krattley: Assisted on Hayward's game-winner in the 54th minute.
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Lily Dahler: Recorded two shots, including one on goal, while playing all 90 minutes.
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Addison Van Zee: Finished with two shots and put one on frame.
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Kate Murphy & Chloe Wilson: Each played all 90 minutes as part of a Cougar side that kept the Wolves off the scoreboard.
Coach's Corner
"Today was a team win! All the effort and energy was to the team and playing well on senior day! Loved our response after giving up a lead Friday and being able to keep a clean sheet today."
-Head Coach, Andy Janssen
Up Next
Sioux Falls will return to action on Friday, October 9th at 7 PM against Augustana before heading to Wayne State on October 11th.
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