The Gustavus women’s soccer team was shut out 2-0 in its season opener by the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils Friday afternoon in St. Peter, Minn. The Blue Devils kept the offensive pressure on throughout the afternoon, scoring twice in the second period and outshooting the Gusties 15-6 in the contest.
UW-Stout scored its first goal at the 49:30 mark of the second period. Jesse Lankford connected on a shot from the left wing on an assist from Kayla Seivert. The Blue Devils’ second goal came with 25 minutes remaining in the contest on a header from Grace Salwasser with the assist credited to Taylor Kizlik.
Gustavus junior goalkeeper Jessica Richert started her first game in the net for the Gusties since her first year on the team in 2009. Richert allowed two goals and had four saves in a complete game in nets.
“It’s easy to explain away the first game,” Gustavus Head Coach Mike Stehlik said. “But it’s their first game, too. Our players have got to play better and they need to come out and play stronger tomorrow.”
Shelik also felt that his squad performed well throughout its preseason camp, but Friday’s game was not a good representation of its preparation.
“I felt we had a good two weeks of camp,” Stehlik acknowledged. “I thought we played hard, but this shows we’ve got a long way to go.”
Gustavus (0-1) returns to the Gustie Soccer Field tomorrow for a 12:00 p.m. match-up against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.