Wolves 3 - South Dakota Tech 1

The Wolves (1-0) were victorious at their home opener against South Dakota Tech. The team, who is now in their third year as a club team for Northern State University, built up their confidence as junior Ben Lindquist, Huron, scored the first goal of the game for the Wolves.

Senior captain Dane Albach, Culpeper, Va., amplified team spirits as he scored the second goal of the game for NSU. "I moved [Albach] to midfield and told him, I need him to shoot from the outside and he has," NSU men’s soccer coach, Jason Wear, said.

Junior Erik Helmboldt, Reinsdorf, Germany, scored the third goal of the game as NSU celebrated their first win of the season. The Wolves had 13 shots on goal compared to South Dakota Tech’s nine shots on goal.

South Dakota State 7 - Wolves 2

The Wolves (1-1) experienced a heartbreaking loss when they traveled to South Dakota State. "We got taken out of our game," Wear said. "My boys played hard, but they ran out of gas." The Wolves lost 2-7.

Albach was the lone scorer for the Wolves, making both of NSU’s goals. "[Senior] Justin Lindquist, [Huron] and Dane are great players and represent the team really well," freshman Sheldon Powell, Watertown, said.

"This team doesn’t quit. They kept their sportsmanship," Wear said. "I love these guys. They play hard and I respect them."

"We’ve really worked together as a team-keeping spirits up and keeping them all motivated,” freshman Nick White, Andover, Minn., said.

Wolves 3 - Univ. of Minn.-Morris 3

The Wolves (1-1-1) tried to regain their confidence as they took on the University of Minnesota-Morris. Despite their valiant efforts, the Wolves couldn’t outscore Morris. Helmboldt scored two goals for the Wolves. Lindquist made the third NSU goal.

"We’re doing a good job developing team spirit," Helmboldt said. "We’re fighting hard and put a lot of effort in there." In spite of the team’s efforts, they were unable to break the tie with Morris before the last horn blew. "We need to be effective on the field," Helmboldt said.

"As a team, I want to work on our transition [from defense to offense]," Wear said. "We need to work on our counter-attack."

Holding Morris back for the Wolves at goalie was senior Nick "Captain" Johnston, Courtenay, N.D. "I’m really happy he is there," Wear said. "I’m very comfortable with my goalies."

Wolves 1 - Moorhead 1

The Wolves (1-1-2) experienced another tie as they faced Moorhead. A header off of a corner kick allowed senior Matt Fischer, Bismarck, N.D., to score NSU’s single goal of the game. Unfortunately, Moorhead also scored off of a header from a corner kick. Early in the second half the Wolves received a penalty kick, but a diving save by Moorhead’s goalie kept the game tied at 1-1. The two teams battled back and forth, but remained scoreless in the second half. The goalies have done "exceptionally well," Wear said. "Matt Hollister has done a great job as goalie. He just gets in there and kicks butt."

Mayville 6 - Wolves 2

The Wolves (1-1-2) experienced a non-conference loss as Mayville State defeated them 6-2. "My guys didn’t quit," Wear said. The Wolves had five shots on goal compared to Mayville State’s seven. The Wolves trailed by four after the first half. Seventeen minutes into the second half, senior Alex Gigov, Sofia, Bulgaria, scored NSU’s first goal. Eight minutes later, with 20:42 remaining in the game, freshman Kyle Kost, Aberdeen, scored NSU’s second goal. The Wolves gave up two more.

"Our communication starts strong and dies," Wear said. Wear would like to work on "communication through the whole game and finishing when given the opportunities." He believes the key to the team’s success is having faith in each other and teamwork. "Everyone on my team hustles,” Wear said. "The whole team has impressed me. Our defense has played very well. I think our defense is above average to great. Powell is outstanding." He also mentioned a talented sophomore, Casey Schmidt, Aberdeen. "When he is there he can stop anybody," Wear said.

According the Wear, men’s soccer has a way better team than last year. “The skill level is higher. Finishing in the top two [of the Great Plains Soccer Conference] is definitely a reality," Wear said.

"I’m really thankful for this team and that my wife supports me," Wear said. "I’m thankful for the players working their butts off." Wear also noted being thankful to senior Randy Padfield, Groton, for keeping track of the statistics during home games. One goal that Wear has for the team it to play to their potential."