SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team held a clean sheet for nearly 60 minutes, but a second-half goal from the University of Nebraska Kearney's Katie Pagel delivered a 1-0 win at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Golden Eagles have shown improvement defensively, as they have allowed one goal in each of their two games this season. Minnesota Crookston had only one game where they allowed one goal or fewer last season, coming October 22 against Augustana University. The Golden Eagles had four games in 2022 where they allowed one goal or less.

Minnesota Crookston dropped to 0-2 with the loss, while Nebraska Kearney improved to 2-0 with the victory at the USF Fall Brawl.

The Golden Eagles finished with three shots, two on goal, while the Lopers notched 21 shots, 11 on frame. Nebraska Kearney had five corners to one. Tyler Chernecki (Fr., F, Winnipeg, Manitoba), and Andrea Cuenca Medina (Fr., MF, South St. Paul, Minn.) each had shots on goal, continuing to show a bright future for the young squad, who started six newcomers Sunday.

Jordan Metz (Fr., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) made her first career start, putting up a shutout for 59 minutes. She allowed one goal in 90 minutes, picking up 10 saves.

Susie Bovaird tallied the shutout for Nebraska Kearney, picking up two saves.

The lone goal came in the 60th minute for the Lopers from Pagel. The Golden Eagles tried to counter with opportunities from Chernecki and Cuenca Medina in the final 30 minutes of play, but were unable to knot the score.

Sarah Burgum (Jr., F, Mandan, N.D.) also had a shot for the Golden Eagles. Nebraska Kearney was led offensively by Jordan Renard with five shots, four on frame. Hanna Schimmer had six shots, two on goal.

Minnesota Crookston remains on the road heading to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., Sunday, September 15.