SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Some early fireworks from the University of Sioux Falls were too much for the Southwest Minnesota State soccer team to overcome on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-1 to the Cougars.

All three of the game’s goals came in the first half. Mara Nelson opened the scoring for Sioux Falls just two minutes into the game and Julia Kreutner doubled the Cougars’ lead at the 20-minute mark. Those were the only shots on goal the Mustangs allowed in the first half but they remained the deciding factor.

The Mustangs got their one goal after Alivia Tindall was called for a foul to set up a penalty kick. Selena Prolic stepped up to take the kick in the 32nd minute and sent a rocket to the bottom-left corner of the goal, just squeezing it in the small gap between the post and the USF goalkeeper’s outstretched hands.

After outshooting Sioux Falls 4-3 in the first half, the Mustangs’ offense fired off 11 shots in the second half, eight of which were on goal. Yet, Cougar keeper Caroline Titze saved all of them to finish the day with 10 saves. Rachel hicks had three saves in goal for the Mustangs. 

Reigning Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Week Haley Mason got off five shots in the match, four of which were on target, but failed to find the back of the net. Audrey Gallagher and Brianna Guerrero each had a pair of shots on goal in the game while Brooke Wetterstrom and Trinity Reagan each had one.

Southwest Minnesota State (2-7-1, 2-4-1 NSIC) will return to Mattke Field this weekend for a pair of matchups against Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul. The Mustangs currently sit in 11th place in the NSIC standings with 7 points and lead Winona State by a point. Concordia-St. Paul is tied for fifth place with 11 points.

The Mustangs will start their match against Winona State at 5 p.m. on Friday and will kick things off against the Golden Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m.