CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team played 90 minutes of highly-contested soccer with the third-ranked side in the NSIC, but a late goal sent the University of Mary to a 1-0 win over the Golden Eagles. Olivia Gardner found the back of the net in the 83rd minute for the Marauders to break the 0-0 tie.

The Golden Eagles sit at 1-9-2 (1-7-1 NSIC) after Friday's home result played on a chilly, and rainy day in Crookston. UMary improved to 7-2-2 (5-1-2 NS!C). The Golden Eagles remain in a four-way tie for 12th with Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Marauders are in third place. Friday marked the third time in series history the Golden Eagles have fallen 1-0 to the Marauders. 

Minnesota Crookston played even soccer with UMary for nearly 83 minutes Friday. The Golden Eagles had a strong first half, at times being the more aggressive on the offensive end of the two squads. UMary had 11 shots, with seven on goal. The Golden Eagles finished with four shots, with two on net. UMary outshot Minnesota Crookston 3-2 in the first half. The Marauders finished the game with 12 corner kicks, as they were able to generate set pieces.

The Golden Eagles finished with four shots from Sarah Burgum (Jr., F, Mandan, N.D.), Kali Yates (So., D, Hedgesville, W.V.), Julia Finch (Jr., MF, Woodbury, Minn.), and Greta Saylor (Sr., MF, New Brighton, Minn.).

The Marauders were paced by Gardner with the goal. She had four shots, two on frame.

Minnesota Crookston's best scoring chance came in the 21st minute on a brilliant free kick from Yates, which almost squeaked past the goalie in the top right corner of the net. However, Molly Fischer picked up the important save to keep the game at 0-0.

UMary broke through with the goal from Gardner in the 83rd minute after they broke down the defense with passing off helpers from Allison Lepp, and Kendra Park.

Jordan Metz (Fr., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) made a host of key saves to keep the Golden Eagles in the game. Metz allowed one goal, and made six saves. Fischer had the clean sheet for UMary, making two saves.

The Golden Eagles continue their home slate Sunday, October 20 at 1 p.m., against Minot State University.