ABERDEEN, S.D. - 1-0 wins have become the prototype for the Northern State soccer team and Sunday's game proved no different. After 82 minutes of scoreless play against Bemidji State, Summer Swan put a header across the goal line and the Wolves closed out a single-score game with a 1-0 win, their fifth of the year. Northern continues to lead the NSIC standings with a 7-0-1 league mark and is 14-3-2 with one game remaining in the regular season. Bemidji State is 8-7-3 overall with a 4-2-1 NSIC record.

The Beavers forced the issue with the Wolves for the majority of the game, controlling the ball for much of the first half and portions of the second. The Wolves' offense did not play as controlled and aggressive as they are accustomed to, but the team's defense kept the Beavers without a score and the game within reach. BSU took five shots in the first half, including two on goal, while the Wolves took four shots with one shot on goal. The game was scoreless at the intermission.

Northern began to pick up the pressure as the second half wore on and out-shot the Beavers in the final 45 minutes. The Wolves earned a corner kick around the 82:45 mark that possibly changed the outcome of their season. Kirsten Saunders placed the corner in front of the goal and Summer Swan directed a header at the net. BSU keeper Samantha Ross caught the ball, but the header had already crossed the goal line and Northern was given the score and a 1-0 lead. The Wolves shut out the Beavers through the final minutes of the game to earn their seventh NSIC win and a seventh consecutive shutout.

Northern State keeper Kit Grace made four saves in her fourth shutout of the year. She improves to a record of 10-3-2 in the net this season. The goal by Swan was number three of the year and her first game-winning goal. Swan had two of NSU's six shots on goal against Bemidji State. Northern completed the game with 11 shots.

The Beavers had four total shots on goal and ten shots in the game.

With the win, the Northern State continues to vie for the NSIC Title. An NSU win against the University of Mary next Saturday afternoon or a Winona State loss would give the Wolves their first NSIC Championship in program history. The game is scheduled for a 12 noon start at Jerde Field.