KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City sophomore Rylan Childers, the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year, finished a free kick with her conference-leading seventh goal of the season and the score stood for a 1-0 win against South Dakota Sunday at Durwood Soccer Stadium.
 
It was the third-straight win for the Kangaroos, which improved to 8-1-2 on the year. The Coyotes (5-6-0) saw a four-game win streak come to an end. It was the final non-conference game of the regular season for both teams.
 
Childers' goal came in the 36^th minute off a free kick from Emma Wilson. Childers headed the delivery into the bottom right side of the net, just passed the fingertips of Coyote goalkeeper Emma Harkleroad. It was the 18^th career goal for Childers in 32 games.
 
South Dakota had an opportunity to respond in the 52^nd minute. Abby Ostrem lined up a free kick and put the ball above goalkeeper Erin Roth who corralled herself to make the save.
 
Taylor Kelly found a dashing Amanda Carpio in the 62^nd minute. Carpio broke free from a Kansas City defender and booted the ball to the right side of the net. Roth leaped and snagged her fourth and final save of the contest.
 
Harkleroad faced 16 shots and made five saves for USD, which mustered 12 shots against Roth.
 
The Coyotes open Summit League play against North Dakota (6-3-1) at 3 p.m. Thursday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks are coming off an 0-2 road swing at Boise State (3-1) and Idaho (2-1).