FARGO, N.D. – Morgan Russmann gave North Dakota State an early lead, but Denver answered with two goals to hand the Bison a 2-1 loss Sunday afternoon at Dacotah Field in Summit League play.
Russmann scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 16th minute, striking a free kick around the wall and into the bottom corner to put NDSU (4-8-0, 0-2-0 Summit) ahead. Denver (5-3-3, 2-0-0) capitalized on an NDSU mistake and pulled level in the 40th minute on a goal from Brooke Ahern before Emma Thielbahr provided the game-winner in the 71st minute, heading in a corner kick from Isabella Chidiac.
The Bison generated 12 shots, including six on goal, and pressed in the second half with opportunities from Russmann, Gabrielle Garrett and Hannah Arnold. Denver finished with a 21-12 edge in total shots.
Goalkeeper Hannah Stipp collected six saves for the Bison. Onyx Kennington, Gabrielle Garrett and Hannah Arnold each tested Denver keeper Alina Santos late in the second half, but the Bison were unable to find a late equalizer.
NDSU will continue Summit League play on the road next week, traveling to face South Dakota on Thursday in Vermillion, S.D.
NDSU Soccer Falls 2-1 to Denver in Summit League Play
