CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--Behind the strength of two goals from forward Jessica Rodgers, North Dakota State defeated Northern Iowa 2-1 at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex on Sunday, September 12. NDSU (2-3-1) handed the Panthers (0-5-1) their fifth consecutive defeat.

Rodgers, the Bison's leading scorer a year ago, put the Bison in front at the eight minute mark. Sarah Panzer added her second assist of the season on the goal.

UNI responded at 16:07 when forward Sarah Huffer connected on a long shot in the upper right corner past Bison goalkeeper Katie Stombaugh.

The Panthers put plenty of pressure on the Bison defense, using the wind at their back to place 10 shots on goal to NDSU's four in the first half.

Stombaugh, the freshman from Mendota Heights, Minn., had six saves and continues to play well in net lowering her goals-against-average down to 2.34 per game.

With just under seven minutes gone by in the second half, Rodgers struck again. She broke free of the Panther defense and scored the eventual game-winner past UNI goalkeeper Krista Thorley. Rodgers currently leads the Bison with three goals on the season and now has five career game-winning goals.

“Jessica Rodgers played really well. She had two very nice finishes,” said head coach Pete Cuadrado. “We strung some passes together and looked a lot more dangerous out there today.”

Junior Olivia Cole contributed two shots on goal, while Jessica Parker, Laura Hermanson, and Chelsea Body each contributed one.

In both Bison victories this season, against Drury on September 5 and in the win against UNI, NDSU has been out shot in the match, but continue to take advantage of chances. UNI led in total shots 15-10.

In a very physical contest, NDSU committed 19 fouls in the game. Northern Iowa was called for nine fouls.

“Things are definitely starting to turn around in the last two weeks for us as a team. This was a big win for our program and good for our team,” said Cuadrado, whose team is 2-1-1 in the last two weekends. “It will be good to have a weekend off and let some injuries heal before we head to the Creighton tourney.”

NDSU has this weekend off, then travels to Omaha, Neb. for a tournament. The Bison will play against host Creighton Friday, September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30. The Bison will then meet familiar foe South Dakota State at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 26.