Hard Fought Battle Ends In Tie

Grace earned the shutout in the 0-0 tie.

September 9, 2007
ABERDEEN, S.D. - The Wolves soccer team dueled South Dakota in non-conference action Sunday afternoon at Jerde Field. Despite going scoreless through regulation and two overtime periods, the game was filled with action as the Wolves battled the soon-to-be NCAA Division I school. The 0-0 tie sets NSU's record at 4-2-1. South Dakota is now 3-1-2.

The Coyotes controlled much of the first half and was the aggressor for the first 45 minutes of play. Northern's defense, however, came through and allowed USD just one shot on goal. The Wolves came out of the halftime break with a renewed force and immediately struck at South Dakota. With just one shot in the first half, the Wolves were determined to force the issue. They took three shots in the first three and a half minutes of the second period.

Northern continued to make the Coyotes work throughout the remainder of regulation. They out-shot USD 9-4 in the second. In addition, NSU's defense continued to do a great job at keeping the Coyotes from gaining scoring opportunities. The team nearly pulled out a win in the final minute as Maggie Fedor (Fr., Monticello, Minn.) broke away and took a shot at the goal, but hit the post, sending the 0-0 game into overtime.

South Dakota took the first two shots on goal in the first overtime period, but junior keeper Kit Grace (Littleton, Colo.) made stops on both. Northern's Fedor took the next three shots of the game, firing all three at the net. Both teams had chances to end the game in the second overtime period, but neither could put the ball into the goal.

The Wolves out-shot South Dakota 17-15 in the game. They had six shots on goal to USD's five. Fedor led the attack with six shots, including three on goal. Nine other NSU players contributed with shots in the game. Kit Grace earned her first shutout on the season and made five saves, including three in the overtime periods. Grace's season record is 4-2-1.

The Coyotes were led by Katie Quinones with seven shots in the game, two of which went on goal. Ann Opsahl earned the tie from the net, saving all six of NSU's shots on goal.

The Wolves will entertain home fans one more time before hitting the road for a stretch of time. NSU fans can catch the 2007 NSIC opener against MSU Moorhead on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 3:00 pm at Jerde Field.

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