CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team put up their best effort against No. 2 Minnesota State University since 2015 as they fell 2-0 to the defending national runner-up from 2024. The Golden Eagles put it all out on the field, as they were knotted 0-0 at the half.

The Golden Eagles dropped to 1-11-2 (0-10-1 NSIC) with Friday's loss despite a strong effort. Minnesota Crookston is on a stretch of very competitive games. The Golden Eagles have only given up nine goals in the last eight games. Minnesota Crookston has given up no more than two goals in the last eight contests, including five one-goal losses, and a tie. Minnesota State is at the top of the table and improved to 12-0-2 (10-0-1 NSIC).

Minnesota State finished with 24 shots, including 15 on goal. The Golden Eagles notched three shots, with two on frame. The Mavericks were guided by four shots from Amara Smith. Kiera Laney tallied three shots, as did Mila Rustin. Minnesota Crookston had shots on goal from Maeva Lucas (Fr., MF, Delano, Minn.), and Elise Lefers (So., MF/F, Brookings, S.D.). 

Jordan Metz (So., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) started and allowed two goals, with 13 saves, as she continues to give Minnesota Crookston chances. Lauren McAlpine, who has given up just two goals all season, had her 13th shutout of the season with no goals allowed, and two saves.

Minnesota Crookston limited opportunities from a high-powered Minnesota State offense in the first 45 minutes. The Mavericks had just three shots on goal, as Minnesota Crookston kept the Mavericks out of the box and made them look at shots from distance. 

Minnesota State got the momentum early in the second half as Maille Mathis scored a goal in the 46th minute off helpers from Addison Clarey, and Courtney Kovacs on a quick one-two pass that Mathis put away. The Mavericks were able to put more pressure on the Golden Eagle defense in the second half with 19 shots. They added a second goal in the 66th minute as Mila Rustin scored off a ball deflected off the chest of Abby Hoiska.

The Golden Eagles continue to show great improvement including their competitive game against the Mavericks. Minnesota Crookston has given up an average of 4.8 goals per game in the last nine meetings in the series, showing their vast improvement in the first year under Head Coach Danny Burstein.

Minnesota Crookston will host Senior Day Sunday, October 26 at 1 p.m., against St. Cloud State University.