The Gustavus women’s soccer team improved to 4-3-0 on the season with a 1-0 win over Luther in St. Peter, Minn. on Sunday afternoon. Senior forward Jenna Iaizzo headed in a corner kick from Rachel Iblings midway through the first half and that is all the Gusties needed to claim the non-conference victory over the Norse. Chelsea Bayer picked up the shutout win in the nets.
The Gusties controlled play for most of the first half outshooting Luther 12-5 and holding a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. In the 27th minute, sophomore defender Rachel Iblings sent a high, arching corner kick into the center of the box where Iaizzo went up and re-directed the shot past the Luther goalkeeper into the upper right corner of the goal. It was the first goal of the year for Iaizzo and the 11th of her career. Iblings recorded her third assist.
The match was evenly played in the second half with the Gusties holding a slim 7-6 advantage in shots and a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks. Gustavus finished the match with a 19-11 advantage in shots. First year goalkeeper Chelsea Bayer made her first collegiate start one to remember as she recorded five saves and earned the shutout.
The Gusties are now hold an 11-2-2 advantage in the all-time series with Luther. Gustavus is 6-1-1 against the Norse at home.