The Gustavus women’s soccer team opened its 2007 season with an exciting 2-1 win over Simpson College on Friday afternoon in Indianola, Iowa. Junior forward Christy Tupy scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute off an assist from midfielder Amy Kunkel. Ashley Olson made four saves and earned the win in the nets for the Gusties.
Simpson jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Mollie McMahon converted a penalty kick just 15 minutes into the match. Gustavus tied the match at 1-1 when she knocked in a penalty kick at the 37:25 mark. The the two squads were tied at 1-1 at the break.
In the second half, neither team was able to break the tie until Tupy beat Simpson’s goalkeeper Whitney Franker from five yards out with just 5:36 left in regulation play.
The game was very evenly played statistically as Gustavus outshot Simpson 9-8 and held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks. Gustavus goalkeeper Ashley Olson made four saves while allowing one goal. Simpson goalkeeper Whitney Frank made six saves and allowed two goals.
Gustavus will face Grinnell College at 1:00 pm on Saturday in Grinnell, Iowa.