BEMIDJI, Minn. —
Megan Ko scored the match's only goal in the 59th minute, and
Payton Kropp made two saves to lead the Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team to a 1-0 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory over University of Jamestown Friday evening at Chet Anderson Stadium earning crucial points in a tight NSIC playoff race.
The Beavers improved to 8-3-5 overall and 7-2-4 in conference play with the victory earning three points in league standings and moving into fourth and eyeing homefield advantage for the first round of the NSIC Tournament.
Bemidji State generated two corner kicks during the opening 16 minutes before
Sydney Sutherland produced the Beavers' first shot on goal at 17:56. Jamestown threatened moments earlier with a shot off the crossbar, but the match remained scoreless.
Kropp made her first save in the 21st minute when she stopped Emma Belyk's attempt. The Beavers held a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks during the opening 45 minutes, but the teams entered halftime tied at 0-0.
Bemidji State increased its pressure after the break.
Madisen Fritel forced a save in the 52nd minute, while Ko followed with two attempts during the next six minutes.
Ko broke the deadlock at 58:37, scoring her third goal of the season to give Bemidji State a 1-0 lead. The unassisted goal was also the eventual game-winner.
The Beavers continued pressing after taking the lead.
Molly Burkstrand sent an attempt high,
Jayda Davis added another shot and
Dayna Stocke forced a save in the 68th minute.
Meredith Paar nearly doubled the advantage at 71:07, but her attempt struck the left post.
Bemidji State's defense protected the one-goal lead over the closing 31 minutes and did not allow Jamestown to place another shot on target. Kropp played all 90 minutes and stopped both shots she faced to secure the shutout.
The Beavers finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots, a 4-2 edge in shots on goal and a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. Bemidji State produced nine of its 12 shots during the second half.
Ko paced the Beavers with three shots, while Burkstrand recorded two. Sutherland, Fritel and Stocke joined Ko with shots on goal.
The victory extended Bemidji State's unbeaten streak to four matches, during which the Beavers earned three wins and one draw.
Bemidji State next hosts Northern State University Sunday at Chet Anderson Stadium for a critical NSIC matchup as the Wolves sit one spot in front of the Beavers in the NSIC standings. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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