CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston played their best offensive game of the season to pick up a 2-0 win over Minnesota State University Moorhead Thursday, November 6 in Crookston. The Golden Eagles hoisted the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock for a second-straight time this season in triumph, as they claimed the rivalry trophy which was established in 2013. 

Minnesota Crookston picked up back-to-back wins against the Dragons for the first time since 2015 and 2016. In the Rivalry Rock series, MSU Moorhead has the slight edge 6-5-2 since 2013. The two teams are actually tied in the overall series 6-6-2 since 2013, but the non-conference game in 2016 was not played for the Highway 75 Rivalry Rock. The 2025 season is the first time both the non-conference and NSIC tilt with the Dragons were played for the trophy, with Minnesota Crookston claiming the win in both. The trophy was established by former head coaches Joe Alianiello and Rollie Bullock to commemorate the just 70 miles behind the two schools on U.S. Highway 75. 

The Golden Eagles improved to 2-13-3 (1-12-2 NSIC). Minnesota Crookston does finish last, but not without ending the season on a strong note with a 2-0 win over the Dragons, and a 1-1 tie Sunday against UMary. Minnesota Crookston picks up two wins for the first time since 2022. The Golden Eagles improved substantially in goal differential from 43 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. Minnesota Crookston also improved offensively, with seven goals compared to four in 2024. In the last 12 games, the Golden Eagles picked up a win, two ties, six one-goal losses, and three 2-0 losses to strong sides in the conference. Minnesota Crookston has a lot of positives to build on after the first season in the Danny Burstein era.

MSU Moorhead ended the season with a 3-14-1 (2-13-0 NSIC) record. The Golden Eagles scored two goals in a game for the first time since a 2-1 win over University of Sioux Falls last season. Minnesota Crookston finished Thursday with 11 shots, seven on target. MSU Moorhead notched nine shots, five on frame. The Golden Eagles were propelled by goals from Emmah Burnes (Jr., MF, Tulare, Calif.), and Marsia Green (Jr., MF, Waconia, Minn.). Burnes and Green both notched their first career goals. Minnesota Crookston had assists from Sarah Burgum (Sr., F, Mandan, N.D.) and Riley Edemann (Fr., D, Santa Clarita, Calif.). Burgum notched her first points of her senior season, while Edemann added her team-high second assist in her freshman season.

The Golden Eagles were guided by two shots on goal from Green. Finch, and Kedin Geremiah (Jr., MF/F, Winnipeg, Manitoba) each notched two shots, one on goal for each. The Dragons looked to two shots on goal from both Lilly Johnson, and Sophie Thompson.

Jordan Metz (So., GK, Lino Lakes, Minn.) picked up her first clean sheet of the season with the shutout. Metz notched five saves. Rylee Truslow allowed two goals in net for the Dragons, with five saves. 

Minnesota Crookston set the tone early as the most offensive side, as they had two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes. The Golden Eagles took a 1-0 edge in the 11th minute on a perfectly placed corner kick from Burnes, which went over the keeper and into the netting for the tally. 

The two teams traded opportunities throughout the next 25 minutes, as both teams had fairly equal possession with the Dragons looking to get on the board. However, Minnesota Crookston struck again as they took advantage of another set piece. Off the free kick from Edemann, she found Burgum who hit the ball landing with Green who sent it off the post and into the goal to give Minnesota Crookston a 2-0 advantage. 

The Dragons had the lone shot on goal in the final 10 minutes of the first half, but Minnesota Crookston led 2-0.

Throughout the first 30 minutes of the second stanza both teams were able to trade opportunities, in a physical half by both. However, neither found the back of the net. Minnesota Crookston was able to control pace in the final 15 minutes with the lone shot on goal. The Golden Eagles captured the victory 2-0 over the Dragons.

The game was the final for Minnesota Crookston seniors Burgum, Finch, and Emma Dudycha (Sr., D/MF, Austin, Minn.) who set the culture and helped build the program in Burstein's first season. Minnesota Crookston looks to build on the positives from the 2025 season as they head into the future.