The UC Santa Barbara Women’s Soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to five matches after a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over North Dakota on Thursday morning.
It was the Gauchos’ first win after trailing at half since the 2021 season.
Despite outshooting the Fighting Hawks 13-1, the Gauchos found themselves trailing at the half. North Dakota netted a goal in the 17th minute to give them a 1-0 lead. The goal would be their only shot in the half.
After the break, the Gauchos found more rhythm on offense and capitalized on a loose ball in the box in the 53rd minute of play. Emily Caughey crossed a ball into the box that found the head of Hayden Halscheid.
The junior’s shot attempt came up short, but Olivia Howard was in the right place at the right time and headed back to Haldscheid. She settled the ball and beat the keeper low and right to equalize the game at one goal apiece.
The Gauchos weren’t finished there. In the 84th minute, North Dakota fouled UC Santa Barbara in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Gauchos. Olivia Howard stepped up and took the PK and buried it to put the Gauchos up with less than seven minutes to play.
Santa Barbara held on down the stretch to secure their third straight road victory.
Santa Barbara will stay in the Peace Garden State as they now travel to Fargo and will take on North Dakota State on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The Gauchos and Bison are set to kick off at 10 a.m. Pacific time. The match will be streamed through the Summit League Network with live stats available.