CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team earned a 2-2 draw to Minnesota State University Moorhead Friday, October 11 at Nemzek Soccer Field in Moorhead, Minn. The Golden Eagles picked up a draw with the Dragons for the first time since October 6, 2017. Since it was a draw, MSU Moorhead retains the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock since they won the 2023 decision.
Minnesota Crookston improved to 1-7-2 (1-4-1 NSIC) with Friday's draw. The Golden Eagles are in a three-way tie with the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Southwest Minnesota State University for 11th place. MSU Moorhead sits at 1-8-2 (1-5-1 NSIC). The Golden Eagles are 7-20-2 in the series with the Dragons. Minnesota Crookston has tied their season points total from 2022, as they look to continue to improve as a young program.
Sarah Burgum (Jr., F, Mandan, N.D.) accounted for both goals for the Golden Eagles, her second and third of her career. Burgum had one goal as a freshman in 2022. The Golden Eagles outshot the Dragons 17-16. Minnesota Crookston notched eight shots on goal, to six for MSU Moorhead.
Burgum paced Minnesota Crookston with seven shots, five on frame. Greta Saylor (Sr., MF, New Brighton, Minn.) notched two shots. Brooklyn Fischbach (Sr., F, South St. Paul, Minn.), Anna Kuecker (Fr., MF, Marshall, Minn.), and Jacqueline Calderon (R-Sr., MF, Indio, Calif.) all added shots on goal.
The Dragons were guided by Sara Alfrida Munk Nielsen with three shots.
MSU Moorhead took the 1-0 advantage in the 16th minute when Becca Cook scored off helpers from Lilly Johnson, and Blayke Hurley.
The Golden Eagles evened the tally four minutes later when Burgum found the back of the net to make it 1-1. It would be 1-1 going into the locker room.
The Dragons broke the 1-1 draw in the 54th minute when Munk Nielsen scored on a penalty kick.
The Golden Eagles were able to bring the game to a 2-2 tie when Burgum found paydirt for the second time in the game, this time in the 75th minute. Neither team broke the draw in the final 15 minutes as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Minnesota Crookston heads to Northern State University Sunday, October 13 at 1 p.m.
