Sunday, September 6
Santa Barbara, Calif.
2 p.m.
North Dakota State
at
UC Santa Barbara
Photo by: Zachary Lucy
NDSU Soccer Takes on UC Santa Barbara on Sunday
9/4/2026 1:44:00 PM | Women's Soccer
FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State soccer will wrap up its stay in Santa Barbara, California this week and the first road trip of the year, as the Bison take on UC Santa Barbara on Sunday, September 6. Kickoff for the Bison and the Gauchos is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT at Harder Stadium.
Game Coverage
Sunday's match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and also have live statistics. Links to live video and stats are available at GoBison.com/coverage.
Tickets
Tickets for NDSU's game at UC Santa Barbara are available at tix.axs.com or ucsbgauchos.com. General Admission tickets for the contest are $12.
Series History
The Bison will face UC Santa Barbara for just the second time in series history after the two teams met in Fargo last season. UC Santa Barbara claimed the only match, winning 3-0 on September 7, 2025.
Last Season vs. UCSB
UCSB scored on the opening shot of the game in the fourth minute, as Olivia Howard scored from distance. The Bison responded in the 13th minute when a shot was tipped over the bar by Maddie Buckley.
The Gauchos capitalized on a late corner 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 controlled a majority 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 79th 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. Two NDSU keepers combined for three saves.
Mulberry Hits Double Digits for Shutouts
Payton Mulberry picked up her third shutout of the season and 10th career cleansheet on Thursday at Westmont, helping the Bison earn a 2-0 victory. With the shutout, Mulberry moved into a tie for seventh all-time on the shutouts list at NDSU.
Russmann Hits 50 Points, Top 5
After an assist on the opening goal at Westmont, Morgan Russmann scored the second goal to reach a couple milestone marks. The third-year player scored her 20th career goal, tying fifth for NDSU in the Division I era.
The goal also put Russmann on 50 career points with 20 goals and 10 assists. Her assist in the game also moved the Bettendorf, Iowa native into a tie for ninth in career assists in the Division I era.
De Wit, New Zealand Open U20 World Cup Sunday
NDSU freshman and New Zealand international Amber de Wit has been selected to represent her country at the U20 Women's World Cup in September.
De Wit has been a key part of the youth national team setup for New Zealand, captaining for the U17 New Zealand national team. The Christchurch native has consistently been in the New Zealand squad on the U16, U17 and U19 OFC FIFA Qualifier team.
De Wit and New Zealand's opening match will be Sunday, September 6 in Łódź, Poland against Japan. They will also play Italy and the USA in group play.
Looking Ahead
After wrapping up the first road trip of the regular season, North Dakota State will return to Fargo next week, taking on Florida Atlantic on Thursday, September 10, in the final game of non-conference play for the Bison. Kickoff against the Owls is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Dacotah Field.
Game Coverage
Sunday's match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and also have live statistics. Links to live video and stats are available at GoBison.com/coverage.
Tickets
Tickets for NDSU's game at UC Santa Barbara are available at tix.axs.com or ucsbgauchos.com. General Admission tickets for the contest are $12.
Series History
The Bison will face UC Santa Barbara for just the second time in series history after the two teams met in Fargo last season. UC Santa Barbara claimed the only match, winning 3-0 on September 7, 2025.
Last Season vs. UCSB
UCSB scored on the opening shot of the game in the fourth minute, as Olivia Howard scored from distance. The Bison responded in the 13th minute when a shot was tipped over the bar by Maddie Buckley.
The Gauchos capitalized on a late corner 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 controlled a majority 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 79th 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. Two NDSU keepers combined for three saves.
Mulberry Hits Double Digits for Shutouts
Payton Mulberry picked up her third shutout of the season and 10th career cleansheet on Thursday at Westmont, helping the Bison earn a 2-0 victory. With the shutout, Mulberry moved into a tie for seventh all-time on the shutouts list at NDSU.
Russmann Hits 50 Points, Top 5
After an assist on the opening goal at Westmont, Morgan Russmann scored the second goal to reach a couple milestone marks. The third-year player scored her 20th career goal, tying fifth for NDSU in the Division I era.
The goal also put Russmann on 50 career points with 20 goals and 10 assists. Her assist in the game also moved the Bettendorf, Iowa native into a tie for ninth in career assists in the Division I era.
De Wit, New Zealand Open U20 World Cup Sunday
NDSU freshman and New Zealand international Amber de Wit has been selected to represent her country at the U20 Women's World Cup in September.
De Wit has been a key part of the youth national team setup for New Zealand, captaining for the U17 New Zealand national team. The Christchurch native has consistently been in the New Zealand squad on the U16, U17 and U19 OFC FIFA Qualifier team.
De Wit and New Zealand's opening match will be Sunday, September 6 in Łódź, Poland against Japan. They will also play Italy and the USA in group play.
Looking Ahead
After wrapping up the first road trip of the regular season, North Dakota State will return to Fargo next week, taking on Florida Atlantic on Thursday, September 10, in the final game of non-conference play for the Bison. Kickoff against the Owls is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Dacotah Field.
Players Mentioned
Sunday, September 28
Friday, September 05
Tuesday, September 02
Friday, August 29
