BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Minnesota Crookston women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with the University of Mary Sunday, November 2 at MDU Resources Community Bowl in Bismarck, N.D.
The Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute off an Elise Lefers goal. UMary was able to get the equalizer in the second half with a 72nd minute goal from Maicee Burke, and that would prove to be the final tally. Minnesota Crookston picked up their first positive result against UMary since a 0-0 tie with the Marauders October 5, 2018. Minnesota Crookston scored their first goal against UMary since a Jessica Withrow goal in 2017. The Golden Eagles notched their fifth goal of the season, and the first since October 10 against Winona State University. Minnesota Crookston surpassed their goal total from 2024 with a fifth tally in 2025.
The Golden Eagles moved to 1-13-3 (0-12-2 NSIC) with Sunday's tie. UMary improved to 8-5-4 (6-4-4 NSIC), and currently hold one of the last spots in the NSIC Tournament. Minnesota Crookston needs a win and either a Southwest Minnesota State tie or loss to Sioux Falls to move up a spot in the standings.
Minnesota Crookston finished with three shots, with two on frame, all of which came in the first half. UMary notched 27 shots, with 11 on goal. The Marauders had nine corner kicks compared to zero for the Golden Eagles. Lefers notched her team-high second goal of the season. Julia Finch (Sr., D, Woodbury, Minn.) picked up an assist to go with her goal earlier this season. Sydney Christopherson (So., MF, Sioux Falls, S.D.) also finished with a helper. Lefers had two shots, with the one goal. Kedin Geremiah (Jr., MF/F, Winnipeg, Manitoba) added a shot.
Maicee Burke earned her third goal of the season for UMary. MaLiah Burke finished with an assist. Olivia Gardner paced the squad with nine shots, three one frame. Dina Polanco added four shots, two on frame.
The Golden Eagles went ahead in the first half as Lefers put away a 28th minute goal after a Finch pass was deflected off Christopherson to Lefers, who had beat the defense with her run and got behind to flick it past Kadyn Dilger for the goal to make it 1-0.
UMary knotted the tilt 1-1 in the 72nd minute with a MaiCee Burke goal off an assist from her sister MaLiah Burke and Allison Lepp.
Jordan Metz (So., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) continued her strong season in net. Metz allowed one goal, and made 10 saves to help keep the Golden Eagles in the game. Dilger notched one save, and one goal allowed.
The Golden Eagles have been strong defensively in 2025, especially in the last 11 games. Minnesota Crookston has not allowed more than two goals in the stretch (three times). They have earned two ties, and six one-goal losses. The Golden Eagles have allowed just 28 goals this season, a vast improvement from 2024 when they allowed 43 goals.
Minnesota Crookston wraps the 2025 campaign at home playing for the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock Thursday, November 6 against Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Golden Eagles won the Rivalry Rock in the non-conference series September 12, but will look to complete the season sweep.
