The Gustavus women’s soccer team improved to 6-3-0 overall and 2-2-0 in the MIAC with a 2-0 win over Saint Mary’s University on Wednesday afternoon. Rachel Iblings scored the gamewinner off of a 25-yard direct kick in the first half and then Becca Hagen added some insurance with another goal in the second half. Chelsea Bayer picked up the shutout in the nets for the Gusties.
Gustavus and Saint Mary’s battled evenly through the first thirty minutes of play, but then in the 31st minute Rachel Iblings ripped a direct free kick from 25 yards out into the upper right corner of the net giving the Gusties a 1-0 lead. It was Iblings third goal of the season. Gustavus held a 1-0 lead at the half, in spite of the fact that the Cardinals held a 6-1 advantage in shots in the first 45 minutes of play.
In the second half, Gustavus increased it lead to 2-0 when Becca Hagen took a pass from Meghan McMillan and scored in 49th minute. It was Hagen’s fifth goal of the season.
Gustavus put four shots on net in the second half compared to three for Saint Mary’s. For the game, the Cardinals out-shot the Gusties 10-6. Gustavus goalkeeper Chelsea Bayer made five saves and registered her fourth shutout of the season. Mariana Sanchez, who allowed both goals and made three saves, suffered the loss in the nets for Saint Mary’s.
The Gusties are now 7-2-3 against the Cardinals over the past 12 seasons.