UPDATE: The University of North Dakota (UND) delivered a commanding performance, defeating St. Thomas 5-2 in a decisive match on October 26, 2023. This victory positions UND strongly as they aim for the playoffs, with standout player Charlie Basinet scoring two goals.
In a thrilling display at home, UND took control early with Basinet netting his first goal at 8:33 in the first half. He followed up with another at 20:25, showcasing his prowess. The team’s momentum continued as Hunter Borgel scored at 34:46, ending the first half with a solid lead.
The second half saw Amelisa Loeffler add to the tally just after the break at 48:34, followed by a penalty kick goal from Yui Fujii at 51:02. St. Thomas managed to respond with a penalty kick from Sophia Barjesteh at 62:31, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Goalie Grace Miller made a critical contribution with just one save, while St. Thomas’ Olivia Rowe recorded six saves, reflecting the pressure faced by the visiting team.
As the football playoffs loom, attention shifts to the North Dakota 9-man quarterfinals scheduled for October 31. Key matchups include Grant County/Flasher at No. 1 New Rockford-S-M at 2 p.m. and South Border facing No. 3 Linton-HMB at 1:30 p.m.. The semifinals will take place on November 8, leading to the championship at the Fargodome on November 14.
In addition, the North Dakota Division A playoffs are heating up with key games also set for October 31. No. 8 Hillsboro-Central Valley will clash with No. 1 Langdon Area-Munich while No. 5 Park River Area takes on No. 4 Velva-D-A-G, both at 2 p.m..
The Minnesota Section playoffs are equally exciting, with championships scheduled at the Fargodome on October 31 and November 1. Teams like Thief River Falls are already making headlines, having secured a 28-21 victory over Minnewaska in a thrilling semifinal.
As the playoffs kick off, fans can expect intense competition and fierce rivalries. The next few weeks promise to be filled with high-stakes action as teams vie for championship glory. Stay tuned for updates as these matchups unfold!
