Stevens Point, Wis. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team dropped its opener Friday afternoon, falling to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 1-0. A Titan goal in the 35th minute by Megan White (So., Kimberly, Wis.) proved to be the difference as the Gusties fall to 0-1-0 on the young season. UW-Oshkosh moves to 1-0-0 with the victory.
In her first game as head coach, Laura Burnett-Kurie was optimistic about how her team performed. “Today was a good game for us,” Burnett-Kurie stated. “We learned a lot about ourselves and the level of soccer we have the potential to play.”
The Titans held the upper hand in shots taken, rattling off five shots before the Gusties had an opportunity. The final tally in shots taken came to 12-3 in favor of UW-Oshkosh. After being out shot in the first half 7-1, Burnett-Kurie was pleased with her teams’ play after intermission. “In the second half we were able to make the necessary adjustments, find some rhythm with our play, and keep possession.”
Senior goalkeeper Jessica Richert (Freeburg, Ill.) accumulated seven saves on the afternoon, four of them coming in the first half, and giving up one goal. Megan White provided the game’s lone goal in the 35th minute, her first of the season. The Gusties had a chance late, but a header attempt by Maggie Lane (Jr., Saginaw, Minn.) sailed high in the 73rd minute. From there out, the black and gold could not mount another attempt, leaving the final count at 1-0. UW-Oshkosh keeper Katie Berkopec (Jr., Apple Valley, Minn.) recorded two saves on the afternoon.
“Overall, we were able to see glimpses of our potential, which has given us confidence going in to tomorrow, as well as the rest of the season,” remarked Coach Burnett-Kurie.
The Gusties will be in action again tomorrow, Saturday, September 1, in Stevens Point, taking on the host Pointers. Kickoff for that match is set for 4:00 p.m. Live stats will be available for tomorrow’s match via the link below.