The Gustavus women’s soccer team was defeated by Concordia 1-0 in overtime on Saturday in its MIAC opener in Moorhead. The Cobbers, who defeated the Gusties for the first time since 1989, scored a goal with just four seconds remaining in the first overtime period to win the defensive battle.
Coming into the game, Gustavus had defeated Concordia 14 straight times and had only lost four times in the 25-game series between the two teams.
The contest remained scoreless through the completion of regulation play. Concordia held the statistical advantage in every offensive category but was unable to break the scoreless deadlock.
The turning point in the game came late in overtime when Cobber Miriam Lombardozzi was tripped by a Gustavus defender 20 yards from the Gustie net. Suzy Grabko hit the ensuing free kick on net with just over 20 seconds to play and Gustie goalkeeper Linday LaVoie was able to make a diving stop, but was unable to handle the rebound. Bain settled on the loose ball and kicked it into the net for the victory.
The Cobbers outshot Gustavus 25-8 in the game and held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.
LaVoie made 15 saves to keep her squad in the game. Saturday marked only the second time in Head Coach Mike Stehlik’s 14-year tenure that the Gusties have dropped their conference season opener.
Gustavus falls to 3-2 on the year. The Gusties will resume MIAC play on Wednesday by traveling to St. Olaf at 4:00 pm.