DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team took the short trip to cross-town rival Loras College Tuesday evening. After a strong defensive stand by the Spartans, the match ended 0-0, cementing UD's spot as the No. 2 seed in the A-R-C Tournament.
In the opening half, the Spartans defended against the Duhawks' attack, forcing tough shots, and Samantha Jurgens saved the only shot on target for Loras. On the counterattack, UD forced the Duhawks into tough saves. In the 19th minute, Bree Swenson took a strong shot from range that was saved to the bottom left of the goal. In the 31st minute, Amelia Pash nearly found the back of the net with her shot from a tight angle. At halftime, the score was 0-0, with UD generating multiple strong chances.
The Spartans had to lock down on defense in the second 45 minutes, with Loras creating multiple chances. Up to the challenge, UD kept frustrating the Duhawks and pushing the ball out of harm's way. Jurgens made four saves in the second half, with a stunning save to preserve the tie in the 55th minute. Off the corner kick, a Loras attacker headed the ball on target, and Jurgens made a great reflex save to push the ball over the top of the crossbar. With a few fast breaks in the second half, the Spartans were unable to capitalize and held on to the 0-0 draw. The draw secured the women's soccer team a first-round bye in the A-R-C tournament, earning the two seed.
The defense led the way for the Spartans, as only the second team to shut out Loras in the 2026 season. Samantha Jurgens made five saves in goal and recorded her eighth clean sheet this season.
The Spartans finished the regular season 9-5-3 overall and 5-1-1 in conference play.
Up Next
The 2026 American Rivers Conference Women's Soccer Tournament starts this Saturday, October 31. The Spartans have earned the No. 2 seed and will be on a bye. The Spartans will open the tournament on Wednesday, November 4, when they host a yet-to-be-determined opponent that advances from the first round. The semi-final matchup will be hosted at Oyen Field, with a game time to be decided for Wednesday.
