MINNEAPOLIS--The North Dakota State women's soccer team dropped a 2-0 match at the University of Minnesota before a crowd of 862 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Aug. 27. With the result, NDSU fell to 1-1 on the young season while Minnesota improved to 2-0.

After nearly 44 minutes of physical play, the Gophers' Elena Fruci found the back of the net with a successful shot at 43:50 to put the Gophers in the lead heading into the break.

"We played a very good half of soccer by possessing the ball and moving it around well." NDSU head coach Pete Cuadrado said. "Giving up a goal that close to the end of the period can be deflating but we kept battling."

The Gophers outshot the Bison 12 to eight with NDSU holding an advantage in the second half with five shots to Minnesota's four as the Bison held possession for much of the final 20 minutes but couldn't capitalize from inside the box.

The Gophers added their second goal with a Fruci score in the 72nd minute after assists by Kelsey Hood and Sara Johnson.

"They got three good chances and finished two of them," Cuadrado said. "where we played well in the middle but couldn't break the back line."

Forty fouls were called in the game with each team committing 10 offenses in each half. Two yellow cards were issued by the officials with Hood booked in the 6th minute and NDSU's Michelle Martinez carded in the 78th minute.

Laura Murphy provided the best second-half scoring chance for the Herd with a shot aimed just below the post but grabbed high by Gopher keeper Lindsey Dare.

Monica Morgan made her first start in goal for NDSU matching Dare's five saves for the match.

The Bison return to action next Sunday when they host MSU, Mankato on Sept. 3 at the Ellig Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for noon.