DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team took on the Dominican University Stars Saturday afternoon. After striking first in the game, the Spartans led 1-0, but a late goal ended the match in a 1-1 draw for both sides. 

A trend for the Spartans this year is that they have opened games with pressure, and this was no different, pressing the Stars relentlessly and keeping the ball pinned in the attacking half. Five corners in the first eight minutes led to two shot attempts from Bree Swenson. In the 40th minute, the Spartans finally struck when Rylie Mensik carried the ball down the left wing, cutting inside, and having her shot saved at the near post before quickly reacting to the rebound and sneaking the ball low past the goalkeeper. The goal marks Mensik's fourth of the season and her third consecutive game on the scoresheet. At halftime, the score remained 1-0 Spartans. 

In the second period, the game evened out as the Spartans played stout defense and held the backline strongly. In the 76th minute, an opportunity to increase the lead fell to Kaelyn Kanable, but the goalkeeper quickly got out to the ball. In the final three minutes, the Stars found an equalizer, and the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. 

Rylie Mensik led the Spartans with one goal and two shot attempts; Bree Swenson also had two shot attempts. Samantha Jurgens played a strong game in goal for UD, making six saves and thwarting multiple opportunities for the Stars by getting to the ball first. 

Up Next

The Spartans will hit the road for their next three games. Their next opponent will be Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, at Thorson-Lucken Field. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m.