CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team hosts Northern State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead in a pair of home games Friday, October 6 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, October 8 at 1 p.m. The Golden Eagles will battle the Dragons for the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock Sunday. The Rivalry Rock is currently in possession of MSU Moorhead. Minnesota Crookston last won the series in 2021.
The U of M Crookston comes into the weekend with a 0-9 (0-5 NSIC) record. Northern State enters the weekend with a 5-2-2 (4-0-2 NSIC) record. The Dragons enter the weekend with a 1-5-4 (0-2-4 NSIC) mark.
Minnesota Crookston vs. Northern State
Friday, October 6 - 3 p.m.
Live Stats - TeamA 0 TeamB 0 0:00 1st Half (goldeneaglesports.com)
Live Video - University of Minnesota Crookston on the NSIC Network
Minnesota Crookston vs. MSU Moorhead
Sunday, October 8 - 1 p.m.
Live Stats - TeamA 0 TeamB 0 0:00 1st Half (goldeneaglesports.com)
Live Video - University of Minnesota Crookston on the NSIC Network
The Golden Eagles are looking to get into the win column this weekend. Minnesota Crookston is looking for their first win over Northern State since October 18, 2015. The Golden Eagles went 4-0-1 with the Wolves from 2011-15. Minnesota Crookston has lost three of the last four to the Dragons. Their best streak against MSU Moorhead came from 2013-16, as they went 3-1.
Minnesota Crookston is averaging 0.22 goals per game, and allowing 4.22 goals per game. They are notching 5.1 shots per game, while allowing 25.2 shots per tilt. The Golden Eagles are led by two goals from Brooklyn Fischbach (Jr., F, South St. Paul, Minn.). Sarah Burgum (So., F, Mandan, N.D.), Marsia Green (Fr., MF/F, Waconia, Minn.), and Autumn Rabe (Fr., F, Kewaskum, Wis.) each have one assist. Kedin Geremiah (Fr., F, Winnipeg, Manitoba) leads the way with nine shots.
In goal, Abby Olsen (Sr., GK, Chisago City, Minn.) enters the weekend with a 4.27 goals against average, with 82 saves. She has a .719 saves percentage. Emma Stempien (Jr., GK, Plymouth, Mich.) has a 4.00 goals against average in two games.
Northern State
The Wolves are 5-2-2 (4-0-2 NSIC) coming into Friday. They beat Wayne State College 1-0 last weekend, but tied Sioux Falls 1-1 Sunday.
Northern State plays a lot of low-scoring games. They are tallying 0.89 goals per game, but only allowing 0.78 goals per tilt to their foes. The Wolves are averaging 8.3 shots per game, but only allowing 9.2 shots per contest. Megan Fastenau leads the way with three goals, and an assist. Kelsey Selden comes in with two goals. Hannah Smith has a goal and an assist, while Mia Zagorski has three assists. In goal, Alexus Townsend has started all nine games. She has a 0.79 goals against average, with 29 saves.
MSU Moorhead
MSU Moorhead comes in with a 1-5-4 (0-2-4 NSIC) record. The Dragons are coached by Minnesota Crookston Hall of Famer Christie (Chappell) Kopietz, who is in her eighth season with the program. The Battle for the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock began in 2013. This will be the 10th edition of the fight for the rock. It was created by former coaches Joe Alianiello and Rollie Bulock. The Dragons lead the Battle for the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock 5-3-1.
The Dragons have tied their last three matches. Their lone win was a 2-0 non-conference result over Western Colorado University to open the season. MSU Moorhead plays a lot of low-scoring games. They are notching 0.60 goals per game, while allowing 1.00 goals per game. They are notching 7.9 shots per tilt, while allowing 17.2 shots per game. MSU Moorhead has six players who have scored a goal this season. Tabea Czech has two assists, as does Ava Kieser.. Madeline Etter, Izabela Flores, Blayke Hurley, Ally Peters, Jensen Seidel, and Allison Tharp all have goals.
In net, Simone Lewald leads the way with a 1.00 goals against average in eight starts. She has 55 saves.
