Soccer coach sees progress in slow start to season

A 0-4 start to the season and two more losses over the weekend do not have the spirits of the University of South Dakota women’s soccer team down.

“We got better,” coach Mandy Green said after the Coyotes’ 6-2 loss to the Drake Bulldogs on Aug. 27.

On Sunday, USD lost again to North Dakota 4-0. The results were lopsided, but the young Coyote squad showed glimmers of opportunity.

Against Drake, the Coyotes were able to match the Bulldogs in shots at 11 apiece. However, Drake capitalized on their opportunities while stretching a 2-0 halftime lead into a 6-2 victory.

The Coyotes also showed some resilience on defense against North Dakota, holding the match at a deadlocked 0-0 until the 40 minute of the first half. The Coyotes racked up 12 shots on goal in the first half, but once again, were unable to find the back of the net for a lead.

A quick North Dakota run of three goals in six minutes in the second half put the Coyotes away.

The Coyotes have now been shut out in three of their four regular season games, but Green is still optimistic.

Last season, USD won nine games – their most since 2006. A late season slide prompted Green to change things up with talent and strategy. Green said she would rather have the team struggle early and finish strong.

“Young ones (are) getting a lot of experience really early and we’re looking to just keep building, keep getting experience for the players that we have early in the season and hopefully we’re running pretty smooth and firing on all cylinders come conference time,” Green said.

USD looks to make a comeback Friday when they travel to Illinois to face off against Chicago State University at 1:30 p.m.

(Photo: Senior Danielle Ferguson fights for control of the ball during the Aug. 27 soccer game against Drake University. Max Tushla / The Volante)