October 3, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State (S.D.) controlled much of the offensive pressure and finished with a 22-15 advantage in shots Saturday evening, but Nebraska Wesleyan capitalized twice in the second half for a 2-0 non-conference women's soccer victory at the Dan Beacom Track and Field.
The match was Dakota State's Senior Night. They honored their five seniors –
Olivia Bradley,
Estefania Gonzalez,
Chloe Mart,
Summer-Lily Robinson, and
Sierra Verplancke.
The Trojans fell to 1-9-2 overall, while the Prairie Wolves improved to 3-5-1.
How it happened
Dakota State generated several early scoring opportunities, beginning with back-to-back shots from
Nichole Corona in the opening two minutes. Corona's second attempt was stopped by Nebraska Wesleyan goalkeeper Amber Pyle.
Samantha Bonar followed with another shot on goal in the fifth minute as the Trojans applied pressure early. DSU also produced five corner kicks during the opening half.
Corona continued to create opportunities midway through the first half, firing three consecutive attempts during a sequence in the 22nd minute. She added another shot on goal in the final minute before halftime, but Pyle made the save to keep the contest scoreless.
Dakota State outshot Nebraska Wesleyan 11-4 during the opening 45 minutes. The Trojans put three shots on goal compared with three by the Prairie Wolves as the teams went into halftime tied at 0-0.
Nebraska Wesleyan increased its offensive pressure early in the second half. Emily Abeyta registered three shots on goal during the opening 14 minutes after halftime, with Dakota State goalkeeper
Chloe Mart making each save.
The Prairie Wolves broke the scoreless tie in the 59th minute. Faith Forehand's shot hit the crossbar before the ensuing play resulted in an own goal, giving Nebraska Wesleyan a 1-0 advantage with 31:37 remaining.
Dakota State responded less than two minutes later when
Madison Smalley placed a shot on goal, but Pyle made the save. The Trojans continued searching for the equalizer, including attempts from
Charli Zimmerman and
Estefania Gonzalez.
Nebraska Wesleyan doubled its lead in the 77th minute. Shelbee Daffer found the net off Hannah Churchill's assist to extend the Prairie Wolves' advantage to 2-0.
DSU continued attacking down the stretch.
Olivia Bradley recorded a shot on goal in the 81st minute, while Maria Júlia Neves Plens put an attempt on frame with 22 seconds remaining. Pyle stopped both attempts to preserve the shutout.
Inside the box score
Dakota State finished with a 22-15 advantage in total shots, including an 11-4 margin in the first half. Nebraska Wesleyan held an 11-6 edge in shots on goal. The Trojans also held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Corona paced Dakota State's attack with a match-high eight shots, including two on goal. Smalley and Neves Plens each registered two shots, with one on goal. Bonar and Bradley also recorded one shot on goal apiece.
Mart made six saves while playing 31:27 in goal for Dakota State.
Ivey Winckler recorded two saves in 25:33, while
Sierra Verplancke made one save during the opening 33 minutes. The three Trojan goalkeepers combined for nine saves.
Abeyta led Nebraska Wesleyan with four shots, placing three on goal. Emma Parker and Lexi Jantzen each recorded two shots on goal, while Daffer scored on her only shot. Pyle stopped all six Dakota State shots on goal to earn the shutout.
Up next
Dakota State continues their home stand on Monday evening as they host rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.). Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. in the Pink Out match at Dan Beacom Track & Field.
