NDSU Soccer Falls in Battle to Minnesota, 2-1

Thursday, August 20

Fargo, N.D.

6 p.m.

North Dakota State

0-3-0, 0-0-0

Minnesota

2-0-1, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Minnesota	0	2	2
North Dakota St.	0	1	1

Photo by: Zachary Lucy

NDSU Soccer Falls in Battle to Minnesota, 2-1

8/20/2026 8:48:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State soccer took the lead in the second half, but fell to Minnesota, 2-1, as the Golden Gophers rallied Thursday evening at Dacotah Field.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, NDSU broke through in the 65^th minute, as Morgan Russmann scored her first goal of the season. Goalkeeper Payton Mulberry started the attack, playing a free kick forward to Abby DeSena, who connected with Russmann on a pass toward the corner of the penalty area. Russmann then chipped past Sarah Martin with her first touch to put the Bison in front.

However, Minnesota responded just 46 seconds later when Ava Westlund found the back of the net on a free kick to level the match at 1-1. Westlund then struck again in the 73rd minute, converting a penalty kick to give the Golden Gophers a 2-1 advantage.

Russmann led the Bison with two shots. Gabrielle Garrett also recorded two shots, to lead the Bison attack. The assists for DeSena and Mulberry were the first of their careers. Mulberry also made four saves.

NDSU remains at home on Sunday, August 23, welcoming Washington State to Dacotah Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.