Jackrabbits Hold Leathernecks Scoreless

MACOMB, Ill. - South Dakota State (7-5-1, 3-0) ended Western Illinois (6-6, 0-3) women's soccer home-unbeaten streak on Friday afternoon with a 1-0 victory. The streak dated back to Oct. 18, 2009 (9-0-3).

"There is obviously room for improvement," said assistant coach Mariana Sanchez. "Our first touch was always a struggle and we were unable to control the ball."

Two extremely aggressive and physical teams played to a scoreless draw during the first 45 minutes while SDSU was outshot by Western 8 to 4 in the first half.

The first frame was highlighted by a diving save from Victoria Kappel to keep the Leathernecks in the game.

The deadlock continued until a series of shots in the 79th minute were too much for Kappel to handle. Kelsey Ferguson corralled a rebound after Kappel punched the ball away and found the far post to give the Jackrabbits a 1-0 lead.

"Since day one, Victoria has improved every time she goes out there," said Sanchez. "She does a great job of communicating with the defense and organizing the back line. If we did not have her in net today it would have been a very different game. The goal they had was an unlucky rebound, and I thought Victoria was terrific."

The Jacks' were able to hold on during the final ten minutes for the win and extend its winning streak to three games.

SDSU outshot Western 21-9 for the match and the Leathernecks were saddled with three yellow cards and 17 fouls.

Kappel made six saves in her action while SDSU's keeper, Kat Donovan, made four.

"We have to keep our heads up," stated Sanchez "North Dakota State has a very strong program and we need to keep our pride to be to compete. This is our field and we don't like to lose here. We need to have a better attitude but on Sunday we will do the same thing strategy wise because I think we are very close."

Western Illinois will remain at home as North Dakota State visits John MacKenzie Alumni Field on Sunday at noon.

Goal Summary
South Dakota State
78:21 - Kelsey Ferguson scores after settling a rebound from a Victoria Kappel save, finishes far post from 8 yards.

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Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel: GK; 5' 10"; Freshman; Carl Sandburg

Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel
: 5' 10"; Freshman; Carl Sandburg
: GK

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Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel

Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel