Watson, Howe lead Bison to 1-1 Draw Against Wyoming

Thursday, September 2

Fargo, N.D.

6 p.m.

North Dakota State Athletics

0-4-1

Wyoming

3-0-1

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Wyoming	0	1	0	0	1
North Dakota St.	0	1	0	0	1

Olivia Watson_NDSU_Soccer_082221_0736_ZL

Photo by: Zachary Lucy

Watson, Howe lead Bison to 1-1 Draw Against Wyoming

9/2/2021 9:26:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State soccer battled through a rainy Thursday night at Dacotah Field to pick up a 1-1 tie against undefeated Wyoming, snapping a four-game losing skid to begin the season.

Freshman and Moorhead native Olivia Watson scored her first collegiate goal with a rocket shot in the 72^nd minute to break a scoreless tie. With her first touch, Watson struck a partially cleared cross into the top left corner from the right side of the penalty area.

The first lead of the season for the Bison (0-4-1) would be short-lived however, as Wyoming (3-0-1), who had yet to trail all season, scored less than four minutes later. Savannah Warner fired an initial shot from close range that was saved by Sofia Howe. But, the Bison keeper was unable to hang on to the ball, popping it back into the air, allowing Alyssa Bedard to volley in a goal from two yards out and tie the game.

Both teams would have other chances later in the half, as Howe made two more saves to keep the game tied. Bella Grandbois had a chance to put the Bison back in front in the 90^th minute, but missed just wide, sending the game to overtime.

Wyoming had the first chance in overtime, but the ball was cleared off the line by the Bison defense. Alicia Nead would then force a save from Alex Daws, before Brookelyn Dew had a header sail just over the crossbar.

Howe would make one save in the second overtime, while Watson would have a shot blocked and Nead missed wide in the final shot of the game for the Bison.

Both teams had quality scoring chances in the first half. Olivia Lovick had a shot saved in the second minute. Howe was forced to make two tough saves midway through the half before Grandbois had a shot stopped by Daws and Watson's rebound effort was also denied by the Wyoming keeper.

Prior to the goals in the second half, Jess Hanley had the best look, as her diving header went just over the crossbar.

Wyoming would edge the Bison in shots, 18-16, but also had 12 shots on goal to just six for NDSU. Howe would make a career high nine saves, while the Bison defense cleared two balls off the line.

The Cowgirls would have six corner kicks to just two for the Bison. Wyoming would also edge the foul count 15-12.

The Bison will head back out on the road for the first of two games away from Dacotah Field to wrap up non-conference play, beginning with a trip to Omaha, Nebraska to take on Creighton next Thursday, September 9. Kickoff between North Dakota State and the Bluejays is set for 7 p.m. at Morrison Stadium.