Box Score

MARSHALL, Minn.- Southwest Minnesota State was still unable to break it's scoreless start to the season as Sioux Falls scored two second half goals to steal a 2-0 win at the Schwan Regional Event Center Friday afternoon.

Southwest Minnesota State nearly doubled its season total for shot attempts with seven total on the afternoon but Sioux Falls put pressure on Jessica Craigmile's net all afternoon with 24 total shots and eight shots on goal.

Although SMSU failed to produce a shot on net in the first half, the Mustangs created several scoring opportunities as Alli Miskowiec and Amanda Hartmann found plenty of open space on the wings to get behind the Cougars' defense.

The Mustangs outside pressure would lead to eight total corner kicks for the game, but SMSU was unable to convert the set pieces into goals.

Sioux Falls held a 10-3 shot advantage after 45 minutes of play but both teams split first half possession evenly.

Sioux Falls continued to force pressure onto the Mustangs' net in the second half and eventually broke the deadlock with a goal off of a corner in the 71st minute. Chessa Novotny had her initial shot saved and was credited with the assist after McKayla Philippi put away the game's first goal.

With SMSU pushing numbers forward, Morgan Lovato found an open scoring chance and buried a goal into the top corner of Craigmile's net to put Sioux Falls ahead, 2-0 and essentially put the decision to rest.

The Mustangs will return to action next Saturday, Sept. 16, as they take on Northern State at 1 p.m., at the Schwan Regional Event Center.