CROOKSTON, Minn. – Alyssa Pavlacic (Sr., D, St. Charles, Mo.) headed in the game-winning goal in the 59^th minute as the University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team toppled Upper Iowa University 2-1 for a Homecoming victory Friday, October 7 at the UMN Crookston Soccer Field.

Minnesota Crookston improved to 2-10 (1-8 NSIC) with the victory. Upper Iowa dropped to 2-7-3 (1-4-3 NSIC). The victory is the first in the NSIC for the Golden Eagles and snaps a 10-game losing streak. The win is the first for the Golden Eagles over Upper Iowa since September 23, 2018 and first for Kyle Halfpop over the Peacocks.

Halfpop, an Iowa native, is 2-0 against universities from Iowa, as the Golden Eagles defeated Waldorf University earlier this season. The game mirrored the Waldorf game very closely. Abby Fettinger (So., F, White Bear Lake, Minn.) and Pavlacic each scored goals in both games. The Golden Eagles found themselves tied with both schools 1-1 before Pavlacic delivered the game winner in the second half.

Pavlacic moves to two goals in 2022. Fettinger scored in the 85^th minute for her second goal of the season. Madelyn Teplansky (Jr., MF, Apple Valley, Calif.) and Ashley Chomyn (Sr., D, Winnipeg, Manitoba) added assists.

The Golden Eagles struck first in the third minute of the game as they set the tone in the game. Chomyn threw the ball in to Teplansky, who played it back to Chomyn who sent the ball bouncing into the box, where Fettinger got a touch on it for the goal, beating out the goalkeeper Alena Miller.

Minnesota Crookston held the 1-0 lead at the break. Upper Iowa struck early in the second period when Jordan Zarate's free kick went into the net to tie the game up 1-1.

The Golden Eagles found the decisive score in the 59^th minute. Morgan Laplante (Sr., F, De Soto, Kan.) played a corner into the box. Pavlacic struck a ball well that was saved by an Upper Iowa defender. Pavlacic got the rebound off the deflection and put it into the back of the net with her head.

The Golden Eagles finished with 10 shots, five on goal. Upper Iowa notched 12 shots, nine on goal. Upper Iowa had five corner kicks, while UMN Crookston notched two.

Kathryn Brainerd (Sr., GK, Corcoran, Minn.) had the win in goal. She allowed one goal and notched eight saves in 90 minutes.

Miller played the first half, allowing a goal, and tallying a save. Jamie Kerkvliet played the second stanza, allowing a goal, and grabbing a save.

UMN Crookston wraps up Homecoming weekend Sunday, October 9 at 1 p.m. versus Winona State University.