Kangaroos Fall 1-0 at South Dakota State

by Ben Bullock

October 19, 2012

(Brookings, S.D.) - Friday evening, the UMKC women's soccer team (5-8-4, 2-3-1 SL) suffered a tough 1-0 loss on the road in a pivotal Summit League match to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (4-9-2, 2-3-1 SL).

In the first period with about 15 minutes gone by, no score, the Jackrabbits had opportunities to strike first with two shots at close range by midfielder Darci Miller, but keeper Nina Tzianos made diving stops to keep the match scoreless.

With about 17 minutes remaining before halftime, the Kangaroos nearly got on the board when defender Sarah Shaughnessy took a shot about 30 yards away from SDSU's goalie box that almost went in before keeper Elisa Stamatakis made a jumping save.

At intermission, the shot-count was tied at seven, yet five were on-frame for the Jackrabbits compared to one for the Kangaroos. Tzianos, meanwhile, recorded five saves to hold SDSU scoreless along with the help of her teammates.

In the second period with less than 35 minutes to play, Kangaroo forward Taylor Bare and SDSU's Jordyn Smith had good looks at the net, but did not capitalize as Bare's shot was saved and Smith's attempt went wide left.

But, the Jackrabbits broke through during the 76th minute when forward Diana Potterveld (4) controlled the ball in Kansas City's box and was able to shoot it out of the reach of Tzianos for the goal. Miller (1) was credited with the assist.

With time winding down, the Kangaroos had a chance to tie the game during the 83rd minute when midfielder Randi Simmons placed a corner kick in front of SDSU's net. Nevertheless, Kansas City failed to get a shot off as the Jackrabbits did not look back and held on for the win.

At game's end, SDSU out-shot the Kangaroos, 17-12, with Bare tallying four to lead Kansas City, while Tzianos notched a game-high nine saves.

Coming up next, the Blue & Gold will look to bounce back Sunday on the road against North Dakota State at 1 p.m.