KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The South Dakota soccer team fell 2-0 to UMKC Sunday in the Coyotes final nonconference game of the season.
 
The Kangaroos jumped on the scoreboard in the third minute as Lexie Howard corralled a saved shot from USD goalkeeper Parker Rytz and put the ball into the net from five yards out.
 
The Coyote offense struggled to gain momentum in the early portions of the game but did attempt three shots in the first half, landing one on goal.
 
Coming out of the intermission, UMKC again struck in the early minutes of the half, this time Howard sent a cross to Kelsey Mothershead, who placed the ball into the back of the net.
 
The Coyotes were unable to recover from the 2-0 deficit totaling five shots in the game and landing two on frame. Sophomore Kellee Willer attempted two shots and had one on goal while Alexis Mitchell accounted for the other shot on goal. Makenzie Burmeister and Taylor Kelly each attempted a shot.
 
Rytz totaled four saves for the Coyotes in nearly 53 minutes of action. Coral Suarez closed the game out in net for USD and did not face a shot on goal. Erin Roth stopped both shots on goal for UMKC, who was led by Howard with a game-high five shot attempts.
 
The Coyotes begin the Summit League slate at North Dakota State on Sept. 28. Kickoff from Fargo, North Dakota, is set for 7 p.m.