Rachel Iblings passes the ball
Julien Babel controls the ball
In only the second meeting all-time between the two schools, the Gustavus women’s soccer team fell to Simpson 2-0 in a non-conference match on Sunday afternoon in St. Peter. Neither team was able to score a goal in the first half, but just nine minutes into the second half the Storm’s Kellie Whitney beat Gustavus goalkeeper Chelsea Bayer for the 1-0 lead. Katherine Bird increased the Simpson lead to two with a goal in the 72nd minute. The Gusties fall to 1-2-2 on the season, while Simpson moves to 2-1-1.
Despite controlling play for the majority of the first half, the Gusties were not able to get anything past Simpson goalkeeper Whitney Franker. The Gusties held a wide 13-2 advantage in shots in the first 45 minutes of the game, but Franker shut down the attack by making seven saves. She finished the game with eight, while Bayer ended the game with one.
Early into the second half, Simpson’s Kellie Whitney beat a Gustavus defender and shot the ball just past the outstretched hands of Bayer to put the Storm on top 1-0. Seventeen minutes later, Katherine Bird got the ball in front of the Gustavus goal and her shot from 15 yards was deflected in by Bayer, who tried to punch the ball over the goal. The best chance for a Gustie comeback came when Chelsea Craven’s shot sailed just past the left post in the 73rd minute. As the end of the game drew near, the Gusties were unable to generate any intensity. After two overtime games this week, fatigue played a factor down the stretch as Simpson was able to hold on for the victory.
For the game, Gustavus held an 18-7 advantage in shots as well as a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks. Seniors Christy Tupy and Callie Christensen led the Gusties in shots with five and four respectively.
Gustavus will play host to the Eagles from UW-La Crosse in another non-conference match on Wednesday, September 17 at 4 p.m.