North Dakota State (NDSU) secured a 4-3 victory over South Dakota (USD) in a dramatic soccer match, clinching a Summit League Tournament berth and completing a regular-season sweep of the Coyotes. The game, played at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex, featured a historic goal by NDSU goalkeeper Payton Mulberry, the first by a Bison goalkeeper in program history, according to The Summit League.
Early Goal, Penalty Kicks, 88th-Minute Goal
The match began with a surprise when Mulberry scored in the 12th minute, taking advantage of a free kick from inside the halfway line. Her shot found the back of the net, giving NDSU an early 1-0 lead. USD responded quickly, with Taylor Mulligan equalizing less than six minutes later. NDSU restored their lead before halftime as Morgan Russmann netted a goal assisted by Gabrielle Garrett.
The second half saw USD earn two penalty kicks after VAR reviews. Klarissa Vega converted the first, but the second was missed, keeping the score at 2-2. In the 88th minute, Russmann scored her second goal of the game, only for USD to tie it again in the final minute through Elsie Odney. NDSU sealed the win when Isabel Garcia scored in the last seconds, assisted by a throw-in from Ellie Sanchez and a cross from Ava Stanchina.
NDSU Player's Two Goals, Goalkeeper's First, Tournament Qualification
Morgan Russmann’s two goals marked her sixth career brace and second against USD this season, per gobison.com. Mulberry’s goal was a first for an NDSU goalkeeper, adding to her recent achievements, including an assist earlier in the season. The Bison outshot USD 27-15 but struggled with shots on goal, finishing with 8 compared to USD’s 6.
The win secured NDSU a top-three finish in the Summit League, ensuring their tournament qualification. It also eliminated North Dakota from advancing in Pod A, setting up a winner-take-all match against South Dakota State on November 1.
What’s Next for NDSU and USD?
NDSU will close its regular season on the road against South Dakota State on November 1, 2026, with the winner of that game earning a bye in the first round of the Summit League Tournament. USD, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they prepare for their remaining schedule. The thrilling finish against NDSU highlights the competitive nature of the Summit League, with both teams vying for postseason success.
NDSU Goalkeeper's First Goal, Final Score 4-3, Next Game
Who scored the first goal by an NDSU goalkeeper in program history?
Payton Mulberry scored the first goal by an NDSU goalkeeper in the 12th minute of the match against USD, as reported by gobison.com.
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was NDSU 4, USD 3, with the Bison securing the win in the last seconds of the match.
When is NDSU’s next game?
NDSU’s regular season concludes on November 1, 2026, when they face South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota. The winner of that game will advance to the Summit League Tournament with a first-round bye.
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