Soccer - News

ROOKIE PAIR PROPELS UMD PAST SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE 2-0

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Two freshmen provided the scoring for the University of Minnesota Duluth on Sunday afternoon, in its 2-0 win over Southwest Minnesota State University, as part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's Soccer Festival.

Rookie midfielders/defenders Ashley Brown and Kelsey Gratz each scored their first collegiate strike in the non-conference, neutral site game in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Bulldogs (2-1-1 overall) controlled the ball possession from the get-go, launching 11 shots in the first half, with five of those finding the Mustang's (0-3-0) goal. It wasn't until late in the first half, however, that UMD could capitalize on its chances.

Brown broke the deadlock at the 42:17 mark, getting help from her team co-captains - senior midfielder/forward Clare Dahmen and midfielder Kelly Duchene. The score remained 1-0 heading into the halftime break.

UMD came out of the gates strong to start the second half, but again had trouble finishing on its opportunities. At 75:01, Gratz added the unassisted insurance goal, assuring a 1-0-1 weekend for the Bulldogs as part of the Festival.

Junior UMD goalie Hannah Bengtson made all five saves necessary to help earn her second shutout in as many contests. SMSU net minder Kendra Olchefske ended the match with eight saves on 10 shots.

Junior forwards Becky Anderson and Brittany Brown - along with Ashley Brown - led the Bulldog offense, each booting four total shots with two landing on target.

The Bulldogs will return home next Saturday, Sept. 19, to host the same Mustangs, this time in what will be both teams' first NSIC match of the 2009 season. Game time at James S. Malosky Stadium is set for 1 p.m.

Game Box Score

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