Upper Iowa rallied with two second half goals to win their second straight game in come from behind fashion and fifth straight overall, beating Minot State, 2-1.

The game started with early pressure from the Peacocks. UIU registered the game's first three shots and held the Beavers without a shot until the game's 19th minute.

It appeared the match was about to break open when Peacock freshman forward Morgan Springborn found herself open at the top of the penalty box. Springborn took a shot that forced a diving save by the Beaver goalkeeper, Celene Johnson, and the ball richocheted off the cross bar and out of bounds for a Peacock corner kick. The series led to three corner kicks and a couple shots for the Peacocks, but UIU was held scoreless.

The defensive stand by Minot State turned into an offensive opportunity and the Beavers had their first good scoring chance with a free kick 25-yards from goal. Peacock goalkeeper Kaitlyn Emanuel made a diving save to her left on the initial kick and was forced to make another save, this time diving back to her right, before the Beavers were able to pound home a shot on the third rebound, giving Minot State the 1-0 lead. 

For the second straight game, UIU seemed awakened by the opponent goal and outshot the Beavers 4-0 for the remainder of the first half. Upper Iowa, however, would once again head into the halftime break down 1-0.

The second half was more of the same for UIU. The Peacocks came out strong, tallying the half's first three shots and putting pressure on the Beavers early and often.

"I think we respond well at halftime," said Head Coach Brian Diaz. They come out and work, and I think it's a testament to the depth we have to constantly be able to stay fresh. As other teams are wearing down, we're still going. I think that's been part of our 'second-half magic'."

Upper Iowa's first good chance of the second half came 12 minutes in. Senior defender Jess Dickhaus took a free kick and served a ball in from the right side. The ball came to senior forward Aimee Wronski, and she knew just what to do with it. Wronski skied above the Beaver defenders and headed the ball back to the near post, tying the game at 1-1.

With the game tied, the Peacocks continued to control the ball and put offensive pressure on the Beavers. 

Finally, the consistent attack would pay off. Sophomore midfielder Mackenzie Taldone played a perfect through ball from midfield up to Springborn, who made a run behind the Beaver defense. When Springborn got to the ball, she chipped in around the charging Minot State goalkeeper and into the open net to give the Peacocks the lead, 2-1.

Following the go-ahead goal, the Beavers stepped up their pressure and the game shifted to the Peacock defensive half of the field.

"Our back line did a wonderful job of keeping them in front of us," said Diaz. "We didn't give up any dangerous scoring opportunities other than the goal. I think that's a testament to the way our backs have been playing and to our team's defending as a whole." 

Unfortunately for Minot State, the clock was on UIU's side. With a little more than a minute remaining, Aimee Wronski took the ball deep into the Beaver's defensive half and was able to stall for nearly an entire minute. Minot State was only able get one more run down the field, but Emanuel made decisive move and gobbled up the last Minot State chance just as the clock ran out.

"Minot [State] is a good team, they're a physical team, they work hard," said Diaz. "I think we matched their work rate. They got the first punch in and we responded well. We talk about staying focused and sticking to the process and we've done that, both from the shaky straight record-wise and battling every game. These girls are fighters and they just keep going and its fun to watch."

"Trina Gallagher played a tremendous game in the back. Nicole Poirier came in and closed out this game in tremendous fashion. Morgan Springborn scoring her second goal of the year was huge. It was just a great all around performance from our players."

The Peacocks finished the game outshooting the Beavers 21-8, with 10 shots on goal compared to seven for Minot State. Springborn and Madie Edwards led UIU with five shots each, while Aimee Wronski took four. Emanuel made six saves on the day.

UIU will continue NSIC play next week, heading northwest to take on Northern State on Saturday at 1 p.m. and Minnesota State Moorhead on Sunday at 1 p.m.