St. Peter, Minn. – After two hard fought periods in regulation that resulted in a 0-0 tie, the Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team was hoping for some overtime fortune that has eluded them so far this season. However, St. Catherine was able to take advantage of a timely free kick in the first overtime session that resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Wildcats on Tuesday afternoon at the Gustie Soccer Field. With the loss, Gustavus drops to 0-5-2 in the MIAC and 1-9-3 overall, while St. Catherine moves to 3-4-0 in the MIAC and 6-6-1 overall.
“We had our chances again today but just could not capitalize,” said head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “It was another match where we worked hard, but we just couldn’t find the goal. It’s another frustrating loss for us, but credit certainly needs to be given to St. Kate’s for their solid play.”
The two teams battled throughout the first two halves and each had their opportunities. But solid play from Gustie goalkeeper Caroline Olson (Sr., York, Penn.) and Wildcat keeper Danielle Mendez kept both teams scoreless and forced overtime.
In its fourth overtime period this season, Gustavus was outshot by St. Catherine 5-0, including the game-winning goal from Wildcat Kailee Katt on a free kick outside the box in the 98th minute. The goal was Katt’s first of the season and the match was only her sixth of the entire 2014 season.
“I was disappointed by how flat we came out in overtime,” said Burnett Kurie. “We just haven’t quite found that edge that we need yet this season and that has really hurt us, especially in close contests like this. That being said, we have four matches left in our season, including three against members of our conference, and we are not going to quit. We’ll continue to stay motivated and hungry to win and positively represent Gustavus. There is a lot we can take away from this season and a lot that our younger players can learn.”
Olson finished with one goal allowed and made eight saves in 98:33 and Sophie Leininger (Fy., Plymouth, Minn.) had two shots to lead the Gusties.
Gustavus will have the remainder of the week to practice before taking on Macalester College (1-4-1 MIAC, 5-6-1 overall) on Saturday afternoon in a 1 p.m. match at the Gustie Soccer Field.