Allison Rapaduski credits her recent scoring streak to simply deciding to shoot more.  

“I was more of a facilitator in my previous years and trying to find those passes,” Rapaduski said. “This year, I am taking shots and opportunities, and they are working out for me.”  

Rapaduski continued her three goals in three games streak against Austin Peay on Sunday, August 27th. Her goal evened up the score and helped UND stave off defeat. The University of North Dakota Women’s Soccer team tied Austin Peay 1-1 at Bronson Field with a final shot count of 6-6.  

The game started out with dominance by UND. They were setting the pace and getting sustained pressure, however, the game felt like a stalemate, with no goals being scored at half time. Despite what the scoreboard said, Head Coach Chris Logan was proud of the way the team was playing.  

“In the first half, we really dominated and probably should have got on the score sheet a couple of times, the soccer was great,” Logan said. “But something that you have to learn in soccer is when you are on top you need to get one or two to maintain the momentum.”  

In the second half, the game slowed down and got gritty, and Austin Peay opened the scoring.  

“The second started really well, then we went down kind of against them, and they had us for about 10-15 minutes,” Logan said. “You could see it shook our confidence, and we have got to learn not to let things shake our confidence.”  

UND was able to regain their confidence and take back some momentum. They had a few hit posts and a few close chances but were struggling to get the ball in the back of the net. Then with 12 minutes left in the second half, Rapaduski scored off of a corner kick.  

 “I started practicing corner kicks yesterday. I had been hitting the back posts in practice, but they were just dropping down right at the post,” Rapaduski said. “This one just happened to curl in.”  

Goalkeeper Madi Livingston kept the other team at bay, stepping up as well to keep the game tied despite the pressure she faced by Austin Peay.  

“She had one really good one in the second half that kept us in the game,” said Logan. He thought the physical nature of the second half was “good soccer.”  

“On Sunday, the games are a little bit slower and become a little bit more physical,” he said. “Both teams were out to win the game, so I think it was very aggressive in a good way. I think that probably made us better.” 

Rapaduski also felt the physicality pick up in the second half. “I think there was a bigger sense of urgency because we were trying to tie it up, and then trying to get that extra goal to win it,” she said. “So, I do think that the intensity picked up.”  

Even though UND did not win the game, the tie continues to be a positive sign for the development of the team to Logan. However, there is still something to be learned from this game.  

“Outside of not scoring a couple of goals in the first 45 minutes, I was fairly pleased with a lot of the things we saw today,” said Logan. “But again, we have got to be a little bit more ruthless in front of the net.” 

Maeve Hushman is a Dakota Student Sports Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].