SDSU soccer blazes by the Phoenix, 1-0...

September 9, 2011

The Jackrabbits were scoreless for most of the game, but that changed in a flash...

The South Dakota State women's soccer team took it down to the wire once again, scoring the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to beat Green Bay...

Senior forward Kayla Braffet drove deep into opposing territory, drawing multiple defenders, before slipping through and crossing the ball to an unmarked Abby Jurgens. Jurgens, a sophomore, took full advantage, beating the goalkeeper with her shot and giving the Jackrabbits a 1-0 victory.

"We never lost hope," said Jurgens. "It was just a matter of time until we scored. Our inability to score thus far has been our own fault, but we capitalized tonight."

The goal was Jurgens first of the season and second of her career.

Braffit was credited with the assist, her first of the season and 14th of her career. 14 career assists moves her to within two assists of second place and four of being the all-time assist-scoring leader.

The game was similar to earlier games this season, as the Jacks controlled the ball for most of the first half, but failed to find the back of the net. SDSU recorded eight shots and two shots on goal in the first half, while holding Green Bay to four shots, none of which were on goal.

The second half was more of the same, as the Jacks outshot the Phoenix 9-3, including a 2-1 shot on goal advantage. SDSU also held a 5-0 corner kick advantage for the game.

The ninth and final shot for the Jackrabbits proved to be enough, as Jurgens found the elusive goal that SDSU had been seeking.

"We are creating good, quality chances on the offensive end," head coach Lang Wedemeyer said. "We are just not executing on the finish."

Senior goalkeeper Kat Donovan made one save; a one-on-one stop of the Green Bay forward late in the second half. That save provided SDSU with the opportunity to end the game in regulation.

"Kat made a great save in a one-on-one situation late in the second half," said Wedemeyer. "She deserves a lot of credit."

For Donovan, the 1-0 victory is her third shutout in as many wins. The Jacks and Donovan improve to 3-4-0.

Green Bay falls to 2-4-2 on the season.

The Jacks played another clean game, as well. SDSU has yet to be given a yellow card or a red card this season.

Next up for the Jackrabbits is a game with next door neighbor North Dakota on Sunday, Sept. 11. SDSU faces the Great West opponent for the fifth time in school history and the first time since 2003. The two have split the all-time series, 2-2-0. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

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