North Dakota State Goalkeeper Scores in Soccer Win
North Dakota State clinches a Summit League tournament spot with a dramatic 4-3 victory over South Dakota.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Soccer
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Goalkeeper Payton Mulberry scored a goal from a free kick near the halfway line as North Dakota State defeated South Dakota 4-3 on Thursday. The win secures a tournament berth for the Bison in the Summit League.
Why it matters
The victory keeps North Dakota State in the hunt for a high seed in the upcoming conference tournament. A win in their next game could grant the team a valuable bye into the semifinals.
Payton Mulberry recorded three saves while South Dakota goalkeeper Cambell Fisher finished with four saves. The winning goal came with only 34 seconds remaining in regulation time.
The players
Payton Mulberry
She is the North Dakota State goalkeeper who scored a rare goal from a free kick near the halfway line.
Morgan Russmann
She is a North Dakota State player who contributed two goals to the team's victory.
Isabel Garcia
She is the North Dakota State player who scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of play.
Elsie Odney
She is a South Dakota player who scored an equalizer late in the second half of the match.
Cambell Fisher
She is the South Dakota goalkeeper who recorded four saves during the match.
The details
Morgan Russmann scored two goals to boost the North Dakota State offense during the high-scoring contest. Isabel Garcia secured the win after converting a left-footed shot following a cross from Ava Stanchina.
Timeline
Thursday, October 29, 2026: North Dakota State defeats South Dakota 4-3.
87:53: Elsie Odney scores an equalizer for South Dakota.
34 seconds remaining: Isabel Garcia scores the game-winning goal.
Sunday, November 1, 2026: North Dakota State plays South Dakota State.
Season Trajectory
This win moves North Dakota State closer to a high-ranking seed within the Summit League tournament structure. The team now enters their final regular-season game with the chance to earn a bye directly into the semifinals.
The victory ensures North Dakota State will participate in the postseason bracket. Fans should monitor the result of the upcoming match against South Dakota State to see if the team avoids playing in the opening round.
The takeaway
Goalkeeper goals remain one of the rarest feats in competitive soccer, significantly changing the momentum of high-stakes conference matchups. Teams that capitalize on late-game opportunities often shift the entire landscape of their postseason outlook.
What happens next
North Dakota State plays South Dakota State on Sunday, November 1, 2026, to determine if the team earns a bye into the semifinals.
Further reading
For more updates on regional collegiate athletics, visit the Soccer section.
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