Zolesio Scores from the Penalty Spot in Draw with South Dakota

Thursday, October 9

Kansas City, Mo.

7:00 PM

Kansas City

5-6-2, 0-2-1

South Dakota

6-3-5, 2-1-1

South Dakota

Kansas City

Photo by: Syd Siemens

Zolesio Scores from the Penalty Spot in Draw with South Dakota

10/9/2025 10:46:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Coach Smith Postgame D. Zolesio Postgame Photo Gallery

Kansas City picked up its first point of Summit League play in the draw with the Coyotes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When South Dakota scored in the opening seconds of the second half following a tightly contested first frame of play, it would have been easy for Kansas City Women's Soccer to hang their heads and concede the game. The Roos did the exact opposite this evening, dominating the rest of the second half and coming away with a 1-1 draw to earn their first point of league play.

The tone was set early for a back-and-forth battle, both sides pushing forward and both defenses standing strong. The Roos had the first great chance of the match when Ashley Koch chased down a ball on the left end line in the 25th minute. She cut towards the top of the box, letting loose on a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net, but USD's Cambell Fischer made a diving save to push the ball out of bounds. The Roos continued to possess the ball for most of the half, holding a 56% possession rate heading into the break.

Coming out of half, it did not take long for South Dakota to strike. The Coyotes took the kickoff and immediately went forward, taking advantage of a lapse in the Roos' defense. Karissa Vega laid the ball off to Brooklyn Bordson, who sent a shot past the outstretched arms of Anika Patton and into the back of the net.

Kansas City immediately turned up the intensity, searching for the equalizer. The Roos attempted three shots within the next 12 minutes, including one by Koch that snuck just outside of the right post. Then, in the 65th minute, opportunity arose. Delfina Zolesio Fernandez Blanco chased down a ball on the right side, cutting into the box and towards goal. She sent a touch past USD's Rylee Haldeman and as she went to continue her attack, Haldeman stepped in front and tripped her, the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. A quick VAR check verified the call and Zolesio stepped up to the spot, stuttering as she approached before blasting it into the goal.

The Roos looked the part for the rest of the game but were unable to come up with a game-winner. They finished the match with 15 shots to South Dakota's nine, holding the Coyotes six shots below their season average. Ashley Koch finished the match with a game-high six shots and Zolesio scored her Summit-leading ninth goal of the season.

Kansas City is back in action on Sunday for a Senior Day match, hosting St. Thomas for a 1 p.m. kickoff.