DES MOINES, Iowa – Maddison Sullivan scored the game-winning goal for the South Dakota soccer team in a 1-0 victory at Drake Thursday evening. The victory is the fourth in five games for USD, who is also unbeaten in six of its last seven contests.
 
South Dakota improves to 4-2-2 on the season after scoring the first victory away from First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion. Drake, of the Missouri Valley Conference, falls to 2-6 overall.
 
Sullivan, a sophomore, tallied her goal in the 71^st minute and the Coyotes' defense held up over the final 19 minutes of action. Sophomore Abby Ostrem sent a long pass forward to freshman Joana Zanin who then headed the ball to Sullivan just to the right. Sullivan took one touch on the ball and sent it past the Drake goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.

GOAL! Maddison Sullivan breaks open the scoreless game, sneaking the ball past the Drake goalkeeper! Assist to Joana Zanin. #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/9ZhcPjomNG

— South Dakota Soccer (@SDCoyotesSoccer) September 14, 2018

 
"It's great to go on the road and get a result," head coach Michael Thomas said. "I continue to be impressed with the women's resolve and ability to have people step up on different days."
 
Drake totaled three more shot attempts after the Coyotes' goal with senior goalkeeper Parker Rytz making a save on all three. For the game, Rytz totaled five saves and collected her third shutout of the season. Drake goalkeeper Kelsie Stone had two saves for the Bulldogs.

Parker Rytz keeping the clean sheet intact in the first half with a pair of saves on one offensive possession for Drake. #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/ZjaOM4ziNt

— South Dakota Soccer (@SDCoyotesSoccer) September 13, 2018

 
The Coyotes made the most of their shot attempts, place 3-of-4 shots on frame. Junior Taryn LaBree had two shot attempts, placing both between the posts. Junior Kellee Willer and Sullivan each tallied one shot.
 
The Coyotes complete a quick two-game road trip at New Mexico State a week from tonight. Kickoff in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is slated for 5 p.m. (CDT) Thursday. South Dakota returns to First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex on Sunday, September 23, hosting UMKC for Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.