DENVER – The South Dakota Coyotes clinched a spot in the conference tournament for the second straight season with a 1-1 tie against the league leader Denver Friday night at the Denver Soccer Stadium. With the tie the Yotes move to 5-2-1 in conference play and 10-3-3 overall while the Pioneers move to 7-0-1 in conference and 12-5-1 overall.
The Yotes record the one point to move to 16 points on the conference season which cements their spot in the conference tournament. Sunday's result vs. Omaha will decide which seed the Yotes will be next week at the conference tournament.
How it Happened
- In the 29th minute of action, fifth year senior Maddison Sullivan broke down her defender in the box and placed a shot on goal to give the Yotes the game's first goal of the game.
- However, the Yotes didn't have the lead for long as a few minutes later in the 32nd minute the Pioneers' Natalie Beckman scored the equalizer off a free kick from the top of the box.
- Both team's recorded dangerous looks on goal but were unable to take the lead in the first half.
- In the second half, Sullivan broke down her defender once again in the 88th minute however, this time Denver's Nerea Arrazola was able to get in front of it for the save.
- After 90 minutes of action the two teams headed into overtime. The Pioneers were the aggressor in the first overtime recording four shots to the Yotes one.
- In the 95th minute, Denver had one of the better looks of the evening but after two attempts on goal, the Yotes were able to stop the ball and the Pioneers were called offsides to clear the ball.
- In the second overtime, South Dakota played on the defensive side and only gave the Pioneers one good look at goal in the 103rd minute but fifth year senior Emma Harkleroad came up with a huge stop to keep the score even at 1-1.
Game Notes
- The Coyotes secure their spot in the conference tournament for the second straight season and the third overall since joining the league.
- With the tie, the Yotes snap a seven-game losing streak to the Pioneers.
- Maddison Sullivan recorded her first goal of the season and her ninth of her career.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH MICHAEL THOMAS
"I am extremely proud of the group tonight. They battled hard all night and we are excited to compete in the conference tournament."
QUOTE FROM ASSISTANT COACH MAGGIE SHERMAN
"I thought our defensive unit played well under pressure. We had to play smart and make quick decisions in order to keep their attack at bay. I'm proud of how resilient we were and how we were able to finish out the game."
Up Next
The Yotes wrap up the regular season on Sunday at Omaha at 1 p.m. The Yotes will know what seed they will be in the Summit League Tournament after Sunday's contest.
