Kinnarath, Johnston Power NDSU to 2-1 Victory over UMKC

FARGO, N.D. -- The North Dakota State women's soccer team celebrated Senior Day on Sunday at the Ellig Sports Complex, but it was a pair of Bison underclassmen who lifted NDSU to a 2-1 win over Kansas City. Sophomore Anisha Kinnarath and freshman Meghan Johnston scored goals to secure a crucial Summit League victory for the Bison.

With the win, NDSU took possession of fourth place in The Summit League with one game remaining. The top four teams in the conference qualify for the league tournament Nov. 2-4 in Brookings, S.D.

Kinnarath was fouled in the box and converted a penalty kick in the 10th minute to give NDSU an early 1-0 lead. The goal was her team-leading fifth score of the season.

Kansas City (5-9-4, 2-4-1 Summit) tied the match in the 35th minute when Hunter Wagoner attacked across the top of the box and beat Bison goalkeeper Sierra Bonham for the equalizer.

Johnston, a freshman from Winnipeg, Manitoba, picked an ideal time to score her first career goal. In the 61st minute, Johnston found herself at the end of Kinnarath's free kick and buried it in the back of the net, giving the Bison a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

North Dakota State (7-9-0, 4-3-0 Summit) owned a slight 13-11 advantage in total shots and a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.

Bonham recorded four saves to earn her sixth victory of the season. Kinnarath led all players with seven shots and three shots on goal. Johnston, senior Jordyn Wallenborn and junior Katie Tallas also notched two shots in the match.

North Dakota State will conclude Summit League play at Omaha on Sunday, Oct. 28. Game time is set for 2:15 p.m.