NDSU Soccer Tops CSP 3-0 in Home Opener

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State soccer picked up a 3-0 victory over Concordia-St. Paul Thursday night in the home opener for the Bison at Dacotah Field.
 
Morgan Russmann put the Bison in front early with a goal in the fifth minute and then added an assist on Chloe Birch’s first collegiate goal in the 26^th minute to give NDSU an early 2-0 lead.
 
Hannah Arnold sent a free kick into the box for the lead up to the opening goal, with Tyreese Zacher then heading the ball back across goal to Russmann who finished from close range.
 
On Birch’s first career goal, Geni LaMarche fired a shot that forced a diving save, with Sydney Potter pushing the ball straight to Russmann. The sophomore sent a first touch pass back into the center of the box, where Birch beat a defender to knock in her first goal in her home debut.
 
NDSU would add a third goal in the 87^th minute, as Gabrielle Garrett connected on a corner kick from Maeva Lichtensteiger, heading the ball back across goal and just across the line for her first of the season.
 
The Bison outshot Concordia St. Paul 18-7 in the contest. Hannah Stipp picked up her first cleansheet of the season and the second of her career, stopping all six shots on target from the Golden Bears.
 
North Dakota State will remain at home and welcome in local and former Division II rival Minnesota State-Moorhead on Sunday August 31, as the Bison will also celebrate senior day following the game. Kickoff between the Bison and Dragons is set for 1 p.m. at Dacotah Field.