NDSU vs. Augustana College – September 23, 2007

With the wind blowing at over 30 miles per hour, the North Dakota State University Bison played host to the Augustana College Vikings.  With the Bison missing 6 of their usual starters, Augustana was able to take control of the game.  The Bison struggled to get any offense going with the wind blowing directly into their faces.  Augustana was able to get on the board in the 17th minute.  After a cross came into the Bison 18 yard box, a Viking forward tapped the ball in after a Tom Erickson save.  Augustana would score again 15 minutes later when a Viking midfielder won a 50/50 ball and beat Erickson on a breakaway.  The half ended with the score 2-0 in favor of the Vikings.

With the wind now at their backs, the Bison came out strong in the 2nd half.  They were finally able to score in the 64th minute.  With the Viking defense unable to clear the ball successfully, Eric Johnson stole the ball and shot it past the diving Viking goal keeper.  With a little momentum and all the players playing up trying to tie the game, NDSU again capitalized on poor Viking defense.  Fernando Bales crossed it into the box.  Goalkeeper turned forward Tom Erickson was awaiting the pass from Bales to put it past the Augustana keeper.  This score would only last for 3 minutes.  With inept marking and lazy defending, a Viking player was fouled in the box resulting in a penalty kick.  The kick was nearly saved by 2nd half goalkeeper Rob Wroblewski but still found the back of the net.  The game ended minutes later giving the Bison their first loss of the season and dropping their overall record to 3-1-2.  Augustana improved to 4-1-0.