Sep 6, 2013
Final Stats
BROOKINGS, S.D.—South Dakota scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half en route to a 3-1 win against Northern Illinois Friday at South Dakota State's Jackrabbit Invitational. It was the third consecutive win for the Coyotes (3-1-1) who conclude the Invitational at 10 a.m. Sunday against Nevada.
Sophomore midfielder Rebecca Sparkman converted a corner-kick goal with a header eight minutes into the second half to break a 1-1 halftime tie. Sophomore Brenna Bills played the corner short to junior Colleen Reeves who sent the cross to Sparkman. Both Bills and Reeves were credited with assists.
Our midfielders won a lot of balls today and that was the difference, said USD head coach Mandy Green. We focused this week on keeping possession of the ball and it carried over into the game. We broke them down in the second half and I think they got tired chasing us around.
Coyote freshman Jamie Karch tacked on another goal seven minutes later to complete the scoring. It was Karch's third goal in as many games. Senior Jenny Teslow worked past a Husky defender to make the pass to Karch who was alone in front of the box.
The two teams exchanged goals within a two-minute span in the first half. USD sophomore Elena Tsakakis scored her first collegiate goal when a shot from teammate Corey Strang ricocheted off NIU goalkeeper Amy Carr to Tsakakis for the score. NIU sophomore forward Nicole Gobbo countered moments later with her second goal of the season.
USD goalkeeper Mackenzie Viktor made four saves to earn the win. Junior midfielder Shannon Keller contributed 49 solid minutes off the bench. The Coyotes outshot Northern Illinois (2-2-0) 13-12.
Mackenzie was awesome for us again today, said Green. Shannon played a good amount of minutes and played terrific. Our entire midfield won balls and connected great passes, but Shannon certainly stood out today.
South Dakota has outscored its opponents 8-2 during its three-game win streak.
