CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team played a close tilt Sunday, September 7 throughout the majority of the 90 minutes against Black Hills State University, but allowed two late goals to fall 4-1. Minnesota Crookston battled back down 2-0, to pull within one goal and showed marked improvement in the second half. The Golden Eagles had five shots in the second half, including three on goal showcasing improved offensive capabilities and chances in the final 45 minutes.

"I am very encouraged by our ability to bounce back after being down 1-0 at half," said Head Coach Danny Burstein. "I thought we were able to fix things both offensively and defensively after the first half. We were able to generate more chances and score the goal and make it competitive for the majority of the second half until giving up two late goals. It is something to build on, as we look to next week against MSU Moorhead."

The Golden Eagles moved to 0-1-1 with Sunday's loss, their home regular-season debut. Black Hills State improved to 1-0-1 with the victory. The Yellowjackets lead the all-time series between the two squads 1-0-1. 

Minnesota Crookston was led by the first career goal from Julia Finch (Sr., D/MF, Woodbury, Minn.). Lily Goehring (Fr., MF, Hartford, S.D.) notched her first career assist. Sarah Burgum (Sr., F, Mandan, N.D.) and Elise Lefers (So., MF/F, Brookings, S.D.) each had two shots, with one on goal. Finch had one shot. 

Black Hills State outshot Minnesota Crookston 21-7, but the Golden Eagles had five of their shots in the second half. The Yellowjackets outshot the U of M Crookston 9-2 in the first half. Black Hills State was guided by four shots from Kylie Hayes. Ally Boysen, Audrey Sillanpaa, and Peyton Hill each notched two shots on goal.

In net, Phoenix DeBrusk (Fr., GK, Thunder Bay, Ontario) made her first collegiate start, allowing four goals and notching six saves in 90 minutes. Black Hills State's Karsyn Fraser-Slothower notched two saves. 

The Yellowjackets broke the scoreless tie in the 45th minute when Sillanpaa stole a pass off the defensive back four and put it past DeBrusk to give Black Hills State a 1-0 lead going into the intermission.

The Yellowjackets pushed their lead to 2-0 when Peyton Hill got past the defense for a strike in the 61st minute. Minnesota Crookston struck back with a Finch goal as she played a dangerous ball into the box that got over Fraser-Slothower's head for her first career goal. The ball came off a pass from Goehring, off a Finch throw-in.

The Golden Eagles threatened throughout the next 20 minutes, including a dangerous chance from Burgum in the 73rd minute. However, Black Hills State was able to secure the win with two late goals. Ally Boysen scored off an Ella Cornelius assist to make it 3-1. The final goal came with a quick strike as the Yellow Jackets' strung together a series of passes with Cornelius scoring off helpers from Hill, and Aubri Roth.

Minnesota Crookston treks to Minnesota State University Moorhead Friday, September 12 at 3 p.m., for a battle of NSIC foes.