Hailey
When a soccer game starts with energy and ends with heartbreak, it often leaves fans speechless.
That’s exactly what happened on Thursday night at Dacotah Field, where North Dakota State University (NDSU) gave their best effort but couldn’t complete their comeback, losing 3-1 to Kansas City in an exciting Summit League showdown.
A Tough Start for the Bison
The match began at a fast pace, with both sides showing attacking intent. However, it was Kansas City that broke the deadlock early. In just the 9th minute, Olivia Platt found an opening in NDSU’s defense and fired home the first goal of the night.
Despite falling behind, NDSU didn’t lose hope. The Bison offense tried to create chances through quick passes and smart positioning.
They came close several times, including a near miss by Morgan Russmann in the 3rd minute and another shot that hit the post in the 19th minute. But Kansas City’s strong defense and composed goalkeeper kept the home team scoreless through the first half.
Second-Half Push by NDSU
After halftime, the Bison returned with renewed energy and determination. They took control of the game, holding 55% possession and continuously pushing Kansas City back into their half.
The players communicated well, maintained pressure, and looked confident in their build-up play.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 80th minute when Morgan Russmann scored her fifth goal of the season. The goal came from a well-timed assist by Amaya Garrett, who delivered a precise pass into the box.
The Dacotah Field crowd erupted with cheers as NDSU narrowed the gap to 2-1, and momentum seemed to be shifting.
But just when fans thought a comeback was possible, Kansas City responded. In the 87th minute, Riley Porter capitalized on a defensive gap and sealed the deal with a late goal, ending the match at 3-1 in favor of the Roos.
Match Highlights and Key Stats
Below is a quick breakdown of the match performance:
| Category | North Dakota State (NDSU) | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 3 |
| Shots | 12 | 6 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Corner Kicks | 6 | 3 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 (Mulberry) | 2 (Patton) |
NDSU dominated both shots and possession, creating multiple goal opportunities. However, Kansas City made their chances count, showing efficiency and composure in front of goal. The Bison also hit the goalpost twice, proving how close they were to changing the outcome.
Standout Players
Several players stood out during the game:
- Morgan Russmann: Scored NDSU’s only goal and remained their most dangerous attacker.
- Amaya Garrett: Assisted on the goal and provided strong support in midfield.
- Payton Mulberry: Made key saves and maintained focus in goal despite constant pressure.
For Kansas City, Olivia Platt was the hero of the night. She scored two goals, including a crucial penalty kick in the 69th minute, helping her team secure an important road victory.
What’s Next for NDSU
The loss dropped NDSU to 5-11-0 overall and 1-5-0 in the Summit League, but the team showed signs of progress. With their ability to control possession and create chances, the Bison have the tools to bounce back soon.
Their next opportunity comes on Sunday, when they travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, to face St. Thomas at 1 p.m. at South Field. A win there could help rebuild their confidence as the regular season continues.
The NDSU Bison may have lost the match, but their determination was clear from start to finish.
They played with heart, controlled much of the game, and refused to give up even when down by two goals. Despite the 3-1 defeat, the team’s performance showed strong teamwork and growth potential.
As they prepare for their next challenge, NDSU will aim to turn their strong possession and attacking play into goals — proving that every setback brings them one step closer to success.