SPEARFISH, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Soccer team opened the 2026 season Thursday night with a 3-1 road loss to Black Hills State at the Black Hills Power Sports Complex. The Cougars generated seven corner kicks and six second-half shots, but three unanswered goals from the Yellow Jackets proved too much to overcome. Addison Van Zee put Sioux Falls on the board in the closing seconds with her first goal of the season.
The Basics
Final Score: Black Hills State 3, Sioux Falls 1
Records: USF (0-1-0) | BHSU (1-0-0)
Location: Black Hills Power Sports Complex – Spearfish, S.D.
Attendance: 288
How It Happened
Sioux Falls created some early opportunities in the attacking third, earning its first corner just over six minutes into the match. Elizabeth Schmidt registered the Cougars' first shot in the fifth minute before Van Zee followed with an attempt in the 15th. USF continued to earn set-piece opportunities and finished the opening 45 minutes with four corner kicks, but Black Hills State was the first to break through.
The Yellow Jackets took a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute when Ivy Agee scored off an assist from Kylea Becker. Morgan Jost kept the Cougars within one with a pair of first-half saves as Black Hills State held a 6-3 advantage in shots heading into halftime.
Black Hills State extended its lead early in the second half. Ally Boysen found the net at the 48:55 mark off an assist from Ashley Measles before Zoe Evans made it 3-0 less than seven minutes later, finishing a chance created by Becker at 55:36.
Sioux Falls continued to push despite the deficit. Van Zee put a shot on frame in the 60th minute, while Maren Hayward forced another save from Black Hills State goalkeeper Rian Barthel in the 81st. The Cougars generated several more chances late, including a Lily Dahler attempt that struck the crossbar in the 87th minute.
USF's persistence paid off with eight seconds remaining. Van Zee found the back of the net at 89:52 to give the Cougars their first goal of the 2026 season and bring the final score to 3-1. The goal continued the offensive production of the 2025 All-NSIC Second Team selection, who led Sioux Falls with four shots and two shots on goal in the opener.
Inside the Numbers
- Shots: BHSU 15, USF 9
- Shots on Goal: BHSU 7, USF 3
- Corner Kicks: USF 7, BHSU 0
- Saves: USF 4, BHSU 2
- Fouls: BHSU 11, USF 5
- Second-Half Shots: BHSU 9, USF 6
- Second-Half Corners: USF 3, BHSU 0
Key Cougars
- Addison Van Zee: Scored USF's lone goal at 89:52 while leading the Cougars with four shots and two shots on goal in 83 minutes.
- Maren Hayward: Recorded a shot on goal in 51 minutes off the bench.
- Morgan Jost: Started in net and made two saves while allowing one goal during the opening 45 minutes.
- Hailey Kaufman: Played the second half in goal, recording two saves.
- Abby Flanagan: Played all 90 minutes on the USF back line.
Up Next
The Cougars return to action Sunday, August 30, for their 2026 home opener against Dakota State at 5pm.
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