Following a strong first half against Viterbo University’s varsity team, the Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights lost Friday night 5-1 for the first loss of their inaugural season.
With the score tied 1-1 at half, the Blue Knights gave up four second-half goals to Viterbo’s four-year, scholarship-driven squad. While Viterbo scored the game’s first goal in the second minute of play, DCTC countered this early storm with an attack of its own, controlling much of ball late in the first half.
The Blue Knights’ Rita Rosner knotted the match in the 43rd minute by striking a
left-footed free kick, 26 yards off the left post, past the traffic and Viterbo keeper for the team’s only goal. Blue Knight goalie Mandy Stockton made 13 saves on 18 Viterbo shots.
DCTC will try to get back on the winning track when it hosts Bethany Lutheran College Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park in Apple Valley. The Blue Knights opened the season with a 4-0 win at Bethany in Mankato.
The rematch of these interregional opponents will determine if DCTC will host the NJCAA Regional Championship in late October. Look for an exciting match, as a tie or a win is needed to secure home field advantage for the Blue Knights.
The Blue Knights are now 4-1 and have outscored their opponents 19-7 in their five games.
