Soccer Secures Comeback Victory

The South Dakota Coyotes women’s soccer team improved to 2-1-2 on the season Friday night in Pocatello, Idaho, with a 3-2, come-from-behind victory over the Idaho State Bengals. 

The Coyotes struck first with 23 minutes left in the first half after the Idaho State back line allowed freshman midfielder Brooke Conway to put one past the Bengals freshman goalie Lydia Keller from just beyond the 18-yard box. This was Conway’s first goal of the season. 

Idaho State would answer in the 39 minute, as sophomore forward Mary Za tied the game with a shot that bounced off the hands of the South Dakota senior goalie Caroline Lewis. Za was assisted on the goal by sophomore forward Saydree Bell and junior forward Alyson Starbuck. 

Mary Za, is the twin sister of Coyotes’ sophomore forward Mady Za. This was the first time the sisters faced each other in their collegiate careers. 

Idaho State would take their first lead in the 48 minute when Bell’s chip shot found the top corner of the net. This was the first goal of the season for Bell. 

Bell’s goal was assisted by senior forward Rachel Fullmer and junior midfielder Peyton Dion. 

The Bengal lead was not long lived as the Coyotes would equalize the match 10 minutes later when sophomore midfielder Brooklyn Bordson’s cross found the feet of Conway, who finished her second goal of the night. 

The Coyotes would complete the comeback with just seven minutes left after a blocked shot landed in front of senior forward Ashby Johnson. This was Johnson’s third goal of the season. 

The Coyotes picked up their second win of the season with a 3-2 win over the Bengals.  

South Dakota’s next matchup was against the Utah State Aggies on Saturday. Neither team could put a goal into the back of the net ending the game in a 0-0 draw pushing the Coyotes record to 2-1-3 on the season. 

Utah State dominated the matchup up against the Coyotes as they outshot them 28-1 with eight of their shots being on goal. USD’s only shot was taken by Conway at the 22 minute mark of the match. 

Lewis had eight saves for the Coyotes as she faced six in the first half and just two in the second. 

The Aggies also had an advantage in corner kicks as they had 14 compared to the Coyotes three. 

South Dakota’s next matchup will be against the University of Northern Iowa Panthers on Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. in Vermillion. This will be the 16 time these teams have played with the Panthers having a 8-5 advantage. 

Photo Credit: File Photo | The Volante