ABERDEEN, S.D. – Despite an aggressive offensive start to the 2021 season on Thursday night at the Athletic and Recreation Center, the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team was shut out 1-0 by host Northern State University.
 
On a soggy evening that began with steady rainfall, the Yellowjackets (0-1) out-shot the Wolves (1-0) 15-9 in the match and placed 10 of their shot attempts on frame. But NSU goalkeeper Alexus Townsend made 10 saves and the Wolves' back line did enough to keep the Yellowjackets out of the net.
 
Megan Fastenau netted the game's only goal in the 60th minute, which stood as the game-winner. "What a good first test of the season for us," said MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo. "The elements, the opposition's home opener, and a very organized and aggressive Northern State team. We are pleased with large portions of the match, but unfortunately we did not do enough to score and get the win."
 
Taylor Gertsch elevated to clear a dangerous corner kick cross out of the box 10 minutes into the match, and Clare Keenan handled an ensuing shot attempt as the 'Jackets prevented a serious scoring threat early on. It was the first of countless challenges Gertsch won throughout the evening, as she bridged the gap from back line to forwards well and was a dominant presence in the air.
 
The 'Jackets knocked on the door in the 19th minute, when a low shot from Jillian Hust skidded just wide of the far post. MSUB won its second corner kick of the half on the play, but the Wolves were able to clear the cross without issue. The 'Jackets wound up with three corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes, but could not convert. MSUB commanded possession for the majority of the opening half, and out-shot NSU 7-4 in the period on the way to a 0-0 deadlock at the break.
 
Fresh into the game midway through the opening half, Liberty Palmer unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the right corner of the box that Townsend smothered for another save. The freshman landed another dangerous shot on frame in the next minute on a square pass from Gertsch, which Townsend had to make a sliding save on.
 
With 30 minutes remaining, Townsend played a long ball out of the goal box that caught the wet turf and skidded all the way through into the attacking third. Fastenau streaked forward and after taking a touch blasted a dipping shot inside the near post to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
 
The Wolves' back line had to clear a dangerous cross out of the six-yard box with 12 minutes to play, resulting in a corner kick for the 'Jackets. NSU remained well-organized in the box however, rising up to knock away the service and prevent a Yellowjacket shot.
 
It wound up being the last threatening look towards goal for the Yellowjackets in the match, as a well-played overall game was lacking only a finish in the final third. Palmer led the way offensively as she placed all three of her shot attempts on target, while Gertsch finished with two strikes on frame.
 
Vendela Andersson and Hailee Gertsch each played the full 90 minutes on the back line, and Keenan made four saves to help keep her team in the match. "Both Gertsches had solid games, and Liberty was a huge spark off the bench," Cavallo said. "We are still growing as a group and have only trained for three weeks together. I believe in this team and I know our best is yet to come."
 
Fastenau led the Wolves with three shot attempts, while DeAnna LeMire placed both of her strikes on frame. Townsend made 10 saves en route to earning her first shutout of the season.
 
THE BUZZ: Taylor Gertsch was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…MSUB is now 3-1 all-time against Northern State and is 1-1 in road matches against the Wolves.
 
COMING UP: MSUB returns to the pitch on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. kickoff against University of Nebraska Kearney. The match – hosted by NSU in Aberdeen – will feature live video available online here and live statistics available online here.