The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team made their final regular season appearance this evening, facing off against Bemidji State University. Despite a loss on the field, the Bulldogs secured their spot in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament. 

Just over a minute into the game, BSU scored. The UMD defense played the ball back to goaltender Jennifer Norris. She went to kick the ball, but it was swiped away by a rushing Beaver player, past Norris and into the net.

On the whole, the first half was quiet after the initial goal, but physical. The teams entered the half with the Bulldogs leading 5-4 in shots, but behind 3-0 in on-net shots. Neither were able to make any significant scoring chances after the opening goal. 

Freshman Jessica Eischens led UMD in shots at halftime. A scoring chance five minutes into the second half was saved by the BSU goaltender, her first save of the game. 

The Beavers couldn't score on a free kick or the ensuing offensive rush, Norris stopping the ball at the top of the penalty box. They were getting more serious chances this half, but no one was breaking through. 

Even a last minute offensive flurry couldn't get the Bulldogs on the board and the game ended 1-0. The score was the same for 88:56 minutes of play. 

UMD ran away in the stats in the second half, ending the game up by 11 shots. They had seven shots on goal in the last 45 minutes as well. Eischens ended the game with the most individual shots by either team, followed closely by four Bulldogs with multiple shots. 

As the handshake line ended and UMD exited the field in Bemidji, their playoff spot was still on the line. Wayne State University was at the halftime break against Winona State University, down 1-0. Time wound down on that match, officially pushing the Bulldogs into the eighth and final conference playoff spot.

UMD will take on the NSIC Regular Season Champions, St. Cloud State University, on Monday, Nov. 6.