Drake Rallies Past Omaha with Clinical Second-Half Finish
Bulldogs Strike Twice in Opening 46 Minutes to Secure 2-1 Victory in Home Opener
DES MOINES, IA – Drake University emerged victorious in a thrilling 2-1 encounter against the University of Nebraska at Omaha at Cownie Soccer Park, with the Bulldogs' clinical finishing in the opening stages proving the difference in an entertaining contest.
The match's defining moment arrived just before the halftime whistle when Lauren Kullberg broke the deadlock with a perfectly timed header. The midfielder capitalized on Drake's sustained pressure, converting Maia Bentley's precise delivery from a corner kick situation at 39:45. Kullberg's positioning in the box was exemplary, directing her effort into the bottom left corner to give the Bulldogs a crucial advantage heading into the interval.
Drake wasted little time extending their lead after the restart, with defender Zoey Mahoney doubling the advantage just 55 seconds into the second half. The goal showcased excellent team coordination, as Madelyn Smith and Mika Marolly combined to set up Mahoney's right-footed strike that flew into the top left corner. The rapid-fire goal stunned Omaha and demonstrated Drake's tactical awareness in transition.
The Mavericks found themselves chasing the game but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Drake defense. Despite registering 12 shots to Drake's 15, Omaha managed only five on target compared to the hosts' seven, highlighting their difficulties in finding the final pass in crucial areas.
Omaha's best chances came through sustained pressure in the final third, with Kendall Dobberstein and Payten Ivins both testing Drake goalkeeper Addie Ford. The visitors' persistence nearly paid dividends in the closing stages, as they ramped up the intensity with a series of corners and free-kicks around the penalty area.
Ford proved instrumental in preserving Drake's advantage, making several crucial interventions including a pair of saves in the 80th and 81st minutes when Omaha mounted their most threatening attacks. Her distribution and command of the penalty area provided stability during moments of sustained pressure.
The match's tactical battle was evident in the midfield exchanges, with both teams making multiple substitutions to maintain intensity. Drake's ability to control possession through Madelyn Smith and Mika Marolly proved crucial, while Omaha's direct approach through Charley Kort and Lauren Schmidt created moments of danger without the final product.
Discipline remained largely intact throughout the contest, with only two yellow cards issued – one to each side. Presley Douglas received Omaha's caution in the 71st minute, while Zoey Mahoney was booked late in the proceedings for the hosts.
The statistical battle was evenly matched, with Drake edging the shot count 15-12 and maintaining a slight advantage in corners 5-3. However, the Bulldogs' superior conversion rate and clinical finishing in key moments ultimately separated the sides.
Drake's victory was built on tactical discipline and opportunistic finishing, with their ability to capitalize on set-piece situations proving decisive. The Bulldogs' defensive structure, anchored by Izzy Snowden's commanding presence, limited Omaha's clear scoring opportunities while creating enough chances to secure all three points.
For Omaha, the defeat highlighted the fine margins in college soccer, where moments of defensive lapses can prove costly against organized opposition. Their late pressure demonstrated character and fighting spirit, but Drake's early advantage proved insurmountable in a tightly contested affair.
Key Players
- Lauren Kullberg (Drake) - Broke the deadlock with a well-placed header from a corner kick, demonstrating excellent positioning and timing - Zoey Mahoney (Drake) - Scored the decisive second goal with a clinical right-footed finish just after halftime - Addie Ford (Drake) - Made crucial saves in the closing stages to preserve the victory, including two vital stops in the 80th and 81st minutes