The UMD Bulldogs took to the turf in their home opener on Saturday, only for it to be spoiled by the Minnesota State University-Moorhead Dragons, 30-29 on the final play for the game.

Before the game kicked off, the Bulldogs held two ceremonies.

The first ceremony was a jersey retirement and celebration of life for former UMD Bulldog, Reed Ryan. Ryan’s number 99 jersey became the first jersey retired in UMD football’s history. Ryan’s family, along with medical staff who worked with Ryan, were honored as well.

The second celebration was of United States veterans, as UMD’s Military Appreciation Day put a spotlight on veterans from around the area.

In the game itself, it was a back and forth battle in the first half, as the Bulldogs went from up 3-0, to down 7-3, and then on top going into the second half thanks to a DaShaun Ames touchdown thrown by Kyle Walljasper.

In the third quarter, Derrick Johnson caught a short pass from Walljasper and brought it into the endzone, as the Bulldogs would take a 19-14 lead into the 4th quarter.

Thanks to a Curtis Cox field goal and another Ames touchdown, UMD built up to a 29-14 lead, but it was all washed away as MSU scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes of play, including a touchdown with no time left on the clock and a successful two point conversion to knock off UMD at home.

The Bulldogs will look to avoid a losing streak when they take on the University of Mary on September 21st.