Northfield, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team opened its MIAC schedule with a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods in a match with Carleton College on Wednesday afternoon at Bell Field. With the tie, Gustavus moves to 0-3-2 overall and 0-0-1 in MIAC play. Carleton moves to 3-1-1 overall and 0-0-1 in the MIAC.
“It was a hard fought battle from both sides today,” said Gustavus senior defender Karlye Smith (Eau Claire, Wis.). “We were persistent with our attacks and held them well on defense. The result isn’t what we would’ve liked, but we are proud for what we did today.”
Maddison Ackiss (So., Fairbanks, Alaska) got the ball rolling for the Gusties almost immediately when she was able to control a deflection off of Carleton goalkeeper Mikayla Coulombe and put it through at the 5:15 mark. Ackiss has scored each goal for Gustavus this season.
The match continued with strong defense from both sides and with one minute to play, it looked as though Gustavus would wrap up it’s first victory of the season. However, Carleton senior forward Ellie Wilson was able to catch a cross from teammate Bailey Ulbricht with less than 30 seconds remaining to score and tie the match at one-apiece. Overtime ensued, but neither team could find the net.
“After Carleton’s goal at the end of the match, we fought hard until the end of second overtime,” said Smith. “We never gave up and kept believing and that attitude is what is going to make us better as the season unfolds.”
Gustavus keeper Caroline Olson (Sr., York, Penn.) moves to 0-2-2 after allowing just the one goal and bringing in nine saves on the day.
The Gusties will be back in action on Saturday when Concordia College (5-1-0, 1-0-0 MIAC) will be in St. Peter for a 1 p.m. match at the Gustie Soccer Field.