In a battle against a Big 12 foe, the University of Northern Colorado ended up in a draw with the Power Five program.
UNC (1-0-1) tied with Kansas State (0-1-1), 1-1, on Sunday afternoon in Manhattan, Kansas.
The Wildcats were more aggressive on the attack, but the Bears defense and goalkeeping showed veteran skills to keep the home team from running away with a win.
"A great result for the Bears today. Kansas State put us under a ton of pressure, especially in the first part of the match, and credit to our players for absorbing all that pressure," UNC coach Tim Barrera said. "I really love the mentality of our team to stay in it and fight back, and they scored a great goal."
K-State logged 14 total shots in the first half and picked up seven first-period fouls. Both teams, however, went into the half scoreless.
The Wildcats scored their only goal in the 52nd minute, managing to get the ball past junior goalkeeper Kaya Lindberg.
UNC continued to respond, despite the ongoing shot attempts from Kansas State, and finally found the equalizer in the 83rd minute. Senior forward Britney Donais scored – her third career goal – with the assist going to graduate midfielder Haley O'Nan.
This comes after the duo's important contributions in the home opener against Wyoming. O'Nan scored the Bears' first goal of the season, while Donais was tabbed with the assist on the second goal.
Barrera said the team had a few opportunities to try and upset the Wildcats, but he is still pleased with the result.
"If they had scored early, it would have been tough for us, but we held the fort," Barrera said. "Kaya in goal was fantastic; just a tremendous performance by her. She was confident, made a ton of saves, and really was in charge. I'm really, really proud of her."
Lindberg picked up 11 saves in the match, already a career high. Despite being a junior, this is Lindberg's first season playing a significant role. Her freshman year was shortened due to COVID, and last year, the team had two seniors.
Barrera said Thursday he is pleased with her growth and looked forward to seeing what she could do. Lindberg proved she is an asset to the team and can help the Bears contend for another conference title this season.
Kansas State finished with 27 shots, 12 shots on goal, 12 fouls and three corner kicks.
UNC ended the game with nine shots, three on target, five fouls and four corners. O'Nan and junior forward Melina Faris contributed the other two shots on goal.
Northern Colorado will return to the field at 7 p.m. Thursday when it hosts North Dakota.
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