North Dakota State soccer is gearing up for an exciting week-long trip to Hawaii, where they will play three games at the Waipi’o Peninsula Soccer Stadium in Honolulu. The Bison’s first match will be against Hawaii Pacific on August 27, followed by games against Grand Canyon on August 29 and host Hawaii on September 1. This trip presents a great opportunity for the team to showcase their skills on a different stage and test themselves against new opponents.
In terms of game coverage, Tuesday’s match will be streamed live, and all three games will have live statistics available. Fans can access links for all coverage on gobison.com, ensuring that they can follow the action even from afar. This level of accessibility allows supporters to stay engaged and connected with the team throughout their journey in Hawaii.
The upcoming games will see the Bison face off against some familiar and unfamiliar opponents. While they will be playing Hawaii Pacific for the first time in program history, NDSU holds a 2-0 record against Grand Canyon, including a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory in Hawaii in 2018. The Bison are 1-2 all-time against Hawaii, with their most recent meeting resulting in a 1-0 loss in Fargo in 2019. These matchups provide an opportunity for the team to continue building on their success and further establish themselves as a competitive force in collegiate soccer.
In their last game, the Bison secured a convincing 3-0 win over Alabama State in their home opener. Standout performances from players like Olivia Watson and freshman Morgan Russmann propelled the team to victory. Watson’s goal helped her move up the career charts, while Russmann showcased her talent by scoring her first two collegiate goals in quick succession. The team’s solid defensive display, led by goalkeeper Hannah Stipp, also played a crucial role in securing the win and keeping a clean sheet.
One of the standout moments from the last game was freshman Morgan Russmann’s impressive performance, where she scored two goals in quick succession. This feat made her the first Bison player to achieve a multi-goal game since Olivia Watson’s two-goal performance against South Dakota in 2022. Russmann’s impact on the field highlights the team’s depth and potential for success moving forward.
Senior Olivia Watson’s continued success on the field has also been a key factor for the Bison. With her 14th career goal, Watson moved into a tie for ninth in career goals at NDSU in the Division I era. Her consistent contributions to the team’s offense have been instrumental in their recent victories, and she will be a player to watch as the season progresses.
The Bison’s recent back-to-back clean sheets against Green Bay and Alabama State demonstrate their defensive prowess and ability to shut down opposing attacks. This solid defensive foundation will be crucial as they face tougher competition in the upcoming games in Hawaii. Maintaining a strong defensive presence will be key to their success on the road and in future matchups.
The connection between Devon Kavanagh and Morgan Russmann has also been a highlight for the team. Their partnership resulted in two goals against Alabama State, with Kavanagh providing crucial assists from the right wing. This chemistry and understanding between players will be essential as the Bison look to continue their winning streak and build momentum throughout the season.
Looking ahead, North Dakota State will return home after their trip to Hawaii to take on Idaho State on September 8. This upcoming game will mark the start of two consecutive home matches at Dacotah Field, providing fans with more opportunities to support the team in person. With a strong start to the season and promising performances from key players, the Bison are poised for success as they continue their journey in collegiate soccer.