August 30, 2026
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Dakota State (S.D.) battled NCAA Division II opponent Sioux Falls (S.D.) Sunday evening at Bob Young Field, but the Cougars used an early own goal and a pair of second-half scores to earn a 3-0 non-conference women's soccer victory.
The Trojans fell to 0-3 overall. Sioux Falls, a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), improved to 1-1 on the season.
How it happened
Sioux Falls applied pressure early and took advantage less than five minutes into the match. The Cougars earned a corner kick at the 4:49 mark, with the ensuing play resulting in an own goal for a 1-0 USF advantage.
Dakota State goalkeeper
Ivey Winckler kept the Trojans within striking distance throughout the remainder of the opening half. She stopped back-to-back attempts by Addison Van Zee in the opening eight minutes.
Winckler continued her strong play midway through the half, stopping Maren Hayward's attempt at the 22:58 mark. Hayward followed with an attempt off the crossbar at 23:10 before Winckler recorded another save less than a minute later.
Sioux Falls produced six shots during the first 45 minutes, while Dakota State was held without a shot. The Cougars held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks in the opening half.
Despite USF's offensive pressure, Winckler registered four first-half saves as Dakota State entered halftime trailing just 1-0.
The Cougars quickly extended their advantage after halftime. Martina Krattley's shot hit the post just 54 seconds into the second half before Chloe Wilson scored at the 47:47 mark to increase Sioux Falls' lead to 2-0.
Winckler continued to face pressure, making saves on Olivia Opichka and Van Zee before Dakota State made a goalkeeper change in the 61st minute.
Sierra Verplancke replaced Winckler for the final 29 minutes.
Winckler finished her outing with six saves while allowing two goals in 61 minutes. Verplancke recorded one save and allowed one goal over the final 29 minutes.
Sioux Falls added its final goal in the 78th minute. Addison Van Zee scored at the 77:44 mark off Lily Dahler's assist, giving the Cougars a 3-0 advantage. It was Van Zee's second goal of the season.
Dakota State continued battling until the final horn and generated its lone shot of the match in the closing seconds.
Nichole Corona fired an attempt over the goal with three seconds remaining following the Trojans' second corner kick of the match.
Inside the box score
Sioux Falls finished with a 16-1 advantage in total shots and a 10-0 edge in shots on goal. The Cougars registered six shots in the first half and 10 after halftime, while Dakota State's lone attempt came in the second half.
Van Zee and Hayward each attempted a match-high five shots for USF. Van Zee placed four shots on goal and scored once, while Hayward had two shots on goal. Wilson scored on both of her shot attempts, while Opichka placed both of her attempts on goal.
Corona accounted for Dakota State's lone shot.
The Cougars held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks, including five corners in the second half. Dakota State was called for six fouls compared with four by Sioux Falls. No cards were issued.
USF was whistled for 16 offsides, while Dakota State was called offside once.
Sioux Falls goalkeepers Hailey Kaufman and Delani Daubman combined for the shutout. Kaufman played for 45 minutes and earned the victory, while Daubman played the entire second half. Neither goalkeeper was required to make a save.
Up next
Dakota State ends their three-match road trip Wednesday afternoon, visiting College of Saint Mary (Neb.) of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The match is set for 3 p.m. kick-off at Soccer Field in Omaha, Neb.
