The Gustavus women’s soccer team defeated the Oles from St. Olaf College 1-0 on a cold and rainy Wednesday afternoon in St. Peter, Minn. This victory represents the first time Gustavus has beaten St. Olaf since the 2001 season. Christy Tupy put the Gusties in the lead when she scored in the 26th minute. She one-touched a pass from Chelsea Craven into the left corner beating Ole goalkeeper Elizabeth Huggins for the 1-0 lead. Ashley Ohlson got the win in goal for the Gusties. With the victory, Gustavus improves to 6-7-2 (4-4-1 in the MIAC) and into a tie for seventh place with St. Olaf (7-7-1, 4-3-1 MIAC) in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings.
St. Olaf controlled play as the match opened and had a great chance to score when a shot by Lindsay Howard floated over the head of Gustavus goalkeeper Ashley Ohlson, but deflected off the crossbar. However, it was the Gusties who drew first blood. In the 26th minute, the Gustavus forwards and midfielders worked together to get the ball up the field making short, quick passes until junior Chelsea Craven got the ball on the right side of the field. She beat the Ole defender around the corner and dribbled the ball along the end line. She looked up to find a streaking Christy Tupy and sent a low pass that Tupy was able to one-touch into the left corner past St. Olaf goalkeeper Elizabeth Huggins for a 1-0 Gustavus lead. The goal was the fourth of the season for Tupy and Craven extended her team-leading point total to 15 with the assist. St. Olaf generated six total shots in the first half to only three for Gustavus.
In the second half, both teams battled for control of the ball near midfield with no team having a clear advantage. Each team created scoring opportunities in spite of the wet field conditions, but both Ohlson and Huggins were up to the challenge in goal and saved every shot that came their way keeping the score 1-0. Ohlson finished the match recording four saves for her fifth shutout of the season, while Huggins made five saves.
The Oles out shot the Gusties by a 12-9 margin in the match. This marks the first time on the recent home stand and just the fifth time this season that Gustavus has been out shot by their opponents.
The Gusties will remain home for their final home game of the 2008 season on Saturday as they play the Scots from Macalester College. The game is scheduled for a 1:00 start time.