Bears Battle South Dakota to Scoreless Draw

Thursday, August 27

Greeley, Colo.

7 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

1-1-1, 0-0-0

South Dakota

2-1-2, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
South Dakota	0	0	0
Northern Colo.	0	0	0

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

8/27/2026 9:25:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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By: Andres Torres, Student Assistant

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's soccer battled South Dakota to a scoreless draw Thursday night at Jackson Stadium, as neither side was able to break through over 90 minutes.

The Bears (1-1-1) generated several opportunities throughout the match and finished with an 11-8 advantage in shots. UNC put five attempts on target, while South Dakota (2-1-2) also registered five shots on goal.

"The game was about what I expected," head coach Tim Barrera said. "A Back and forth match, both teams, battled. I think there were some good moments both ways. Obviously, you're always disappointed when you come out with the tie, but certainly not disappointed with the effort. I thought the team played really hard."

UNC controlled much of the attacking pressure in the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the Coyotes 6-3. Lexi Tuite led the early attack with two shots, placing both on frame, while Mia Norman, Anneliese Wong and Ava Marshall also tested the South Dakota defense.

The Coyotes increased their pressure after halftime with five second-half shots, but goalkeeper Thordis Melsted and the UNC defense kept the visitors off the board. Melsted played all 90 minutes and recorded five saves to earn the clean sheet.

UNC continued searching for the breakthrough on the other end, recording five more shots in the second half. Nora Dougherty provided a spark off the bench with two attempts as the Bears pushed for the go-ahead goal.

The Bears finished the night with 11 shots from eight different players. Tuite, Marshall and Dougherty led UNC with two shots apiece. UNC and South Dakota each earned four corner kicks, while the Bears committed just nine fouls compared to 16 by the Coyotes.

Up Next
Northern Colorado returns to Jackson Stadium Sunday at noon for its rescheduled matchup against Denver at 12 p.m. at Jackson Stadium. The Bears and Pioneers originally met earlier this season before the match was postponed due to weather.

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