FARGO - Bismarck Century had a tough task on Friday. The task called for containing Fargo Davies' proficient offense.
The Patriots were up to the task and in the process handed the Eagles their first loss of the season.
Century scored two goals in the second half to defeat Davies 2-1 during the semifinals of the North Dakota state girls soccer tournament at Sid Cichy Stadium.
"Century did a good job of defending us, and they were able to finish their scoring chances in the second half," Davies head coach Nick Christianson said. "We just couldn't get the ball past their second line in the second half."
Century advances to play in the championship game at 3 p.m. today.
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Davies (10-1-1) scored first when senior Emily Wendorff rocketed a shot past Century goalkeeper Amanda Leintz at 19 minutes, 49 seconds.
The Eagles entered halftime up 1-0, which Century head coach Nate Ulness said was a positive.
"Being down 1-0, we had nothing to lose in the second half," Ulness said. "We wanted to press and outwork them. I think our players stepped up on that front."
Century freshman forward Kylee Welch tied the game with a goal at 53:35 and six minutes later the Patriots broke through for the lead.
Sophomore forward Alexa Pagan scored the go-ahead goal for the Patriots (8-3-1). It marked the first time Davies had trailed during a match since May 11.
Century never yielded the equalizer.
"Our main goal was to pressure them quickly, close them down and not give them the time and space to hit the ball," Ulness said. "The big battle was for our center midfielders to close them down, and they did that. That helped us win the match."
The Eagles play in the third-place match at 1 p.m. today.
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Leintz collected four saves for Century. The Patriots have won six state titles, the most recent coming in 2011, and have played in seven state championship games.
Davies entered the match having outscored its opponents 62-3.
FIRST HALF: 1, FD, Wendorff, 19:49.
SECOND HALF: 2, BC, K. Welch, 53:35. 3, BC, Pagan, (K. Welch) 59:35
SAVES: BC, Leintz 4. FD, Orson 11.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Tom Mix at (701) 241-5562
