CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston Soccer team fell 2-0 to Southwest Minnesota State University Friday, October 4. The Golden Eagles generated their most offensive chances of the season with 21, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities, falling 2-0.

The Golden Eagles dropped to 1-6-1 (1-3 NSIC) with Friday's loss. The Mustangs improved to 1-6-1 (1-2-1 NSIC) with the result. Minnesota Crookston is currently in a tie for 12th place in the standings. They have continued to show improvement throughout the season. Defensively, the Golden Eagles are allowing just 1.50 goals against this season, compared to 3.72 in 2023. 

Minnesota Crookston had 21 shots, with 12 shots on goal. Both totals were the highest of the season for the Golden Eagles. Their previous highs were 12, with eight shots on goal in their win over the University of Sioux Falls. Julia Finch (Jr., MF, Woodbury, Minn.) paced the Golden Eagles with three shots on goal. Tyler Chernecki (Fr., F, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Brooklyn Fischbach (Sr., F, South St. Paul, Minn.), and Callie Holthaus (Fr., F, Richmond, Minn.) each notched two shots on goal apiece.

The Mustangs looked to three shots on goal from Trinity Reagan. Dare Kroeten, Kylie Peters, and Brooke Wetterstrom each tallied two shots on goal.

The Mustangs took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute with a goal from Haley Mason after she put away a chance off a rebound of her own shot.

Southwest Minnesota State added a security goal in the 86th minute when Peters scored off a Kroeten helper.

The Golden Eagles tested the Mustangs throughout the game, as they looked for the equalizer after the first goal. They had a flurry of shot opportunities from Chernecki, Emmah Burnes (So., MF, Tulare, Calif.), Fischbach, and Finch during a seven-minute stretch after Mason's goal.

The Golden Eagles had back-to-back shots on goal in the 31st and 32nd minutes off chances from Finch and Chernecki.

They wrapped up the first half with a pair of chances from Chernecki, and Holthaus but went into the break down 1-0.

Minnesota Crookston's first shot on goal in the second frame came in the 48th minute from Fischbach. In addition, Holthaus was able to use her speed and craftyness to generate a plethora of chances, including one in the 71st minute. However, the Golden Eagles would be unable to find the game-tying goal, and SMSU put the game away with Peters' goal.

Jordan Metz (Fr., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) allowed two goals, but made a number of highlight reel saves throughout the game. Metz finished with nine saves.

Rachel Hicks picked up the clean sheet for Southwest Minnesota State, notching 12 saves Friday.

Minnesota Crookston returns to the pitch Sunday, October 6 at 1 p.m., against Winona State University.