Nora Christensen takes a shot and scores in the 34th minute against the Cardinals, which proved to be the game-winner. Photo courtesy of Andrew Vold, Gustavus Sports Information.
The Gustavus women’s soccer team earned its first MIAC victory of the season with a 2-0 shutout over Saint Mary’s University on Wednesday afternoon in St. Peter, Minn. Nora Christensen and Kristin Moen each scored unassisted goals for the Gusties, who improve to 2-7-0 overall and 1-3-0 in MIAC play.
Thirty-four minutes of scoreless action passed by in the first period before Christensen found the back of the Cardinal net. The Plymouth, Minn. native got the ball at the far right wing and fired a shot over Saint Mary’s goalkeeper, Cassie Hulett, who got her hands on the ball but the deflection landed in the top-left corner of the net to put the Gusties up 1-0. The goal was Christensen’s first of the season.
Gustavus’ second goal came at the 65:50 mark after Christensen took a shot on goal, which was blocked and Moen recovered the rebound in front of the net for the easy put-back. Moen’s goal was also her first of the season.
The Gusties celebrate after Kristin Moen scores the second goal of the game. Photo courtesy of Andrew Vold, Gustavus Sports Information.
“Two good goals,” Gustavus Head Coach Mike Stehlik said. “I think we had most of the play, which is good. We’ve got to get better at some things and we’ll definitely do that.”
The Cardinals outshot the Gusties 13-to-8 in the contest, but Gustavus goalkeeper Jessica Richert collected seven saves for her first shutout victory this year. Hulett made one save for Saint Mary’s.
Gustavus continues MIAC action against Carleton College on Oct. 1 at 12:00 p.m., which will be played on the Gustie Soccer Field and will kick off Gustavus’ 88th Homecoming.
“Carleton is going to be a challenge on Saturday for sure,” Stehlik mentioned. “But that’s what playing in MIAC soccer is all about. We’re looking forward to it. I think we got some things nailed down. We’ll work on some things in the next two days and go forward.”