FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State soccer fell to UC Santa Barbara 3-0 Sunday afternoon in non-conference action at Dacotah Field, snapping a three-game win streak for the Bison.
 
UCSB (5-1-1) scored on the opening shot of the game in the fourth minute, as Olivia Howard scored from distance to give the Gauchos an early lead. The Bison (4-4-0) responded with several opportunities and nearly tied the game with Kendall Stadden's shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 13^th minute tipped over the bar by Maddie Buckley.
 
The Gauchos would capitalize on a late corner kick at the end of the first half, with Emma Corcoran tapping in a ball from close range to go up 2-0 at the break.
 
NDSU would control the first 30 minutes of the second half, with several scoring opportunities, while also holding UCSB shotless until a free kick from the edge of the penalty area in the 79^th minute. Natalie Sheffey bent the free kick around the wall and into the far corner for the game's final goal.
 
Both teams finished with 11 shots in the game. Buckley made five saves for UCSB. Hannah Stipp had one save for NDSU. Payton Mulberry finished with two saves in the second half.
 
The Bison will have a week off before returning to action on Sunday, September 14 at Florida Atlantic with the first of two non-conference road tests before Summit League play begins. The Bison take on the Owls at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT from FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.