St. Peter, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team was downed by Macalester College 1-0 on Saturday afternoon on the Gustie Soccer Field in double overtime. With the loss, Gustavus falls to 1-10-3 overall and 0-6-2 in the MIAC, while Macalester moves to 7-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the MIAC.
“Despite another heartbreaking loss, we are proud of how well our team played,” said head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “Our passing was crisp, our defense was solid and we created dangerous opportunities forcing their backline and goalkeeper to come up with big saves.”
Gustavus forward Jana Elliott (So., Eagan, Minn.) had an opportunity to give the Gusties their first conference victory of the season on a shot two minutes into the second overtime period, but it just missed wide right to extend the game. Less than two minutes later, Macalester took advantage when Scot senior midfielder Hannah Walker received a cross from teammate Hannah Pollard-Garber to score her second goal of the season and seal the game for Macalester.
“This game showed the true nature of soccer, you can miss a great opportunity and have the momentum and then the next thing you know the other team puts the ball in the back of the net,” said Burnett-Kurie. “It just takes that one play to change the outcome of a game and unfortunately, we’ve been on the wrong side of that play for several overtime games this year.”
Gustavus goalkeeper Roisen Granlund (So., St. Paul, Minn.) saw her record drop to 0-2-0 on the season after coming in approximately 32 minutes into the game when starting goalkeeper Caroline Olson (Sr., York, Penn.) sustained a head injury. Granlund allowed one goal and made three saves in 71:34, while Olson allowed no goals and made one save in 31:56.
“At the end of the day, it’s not all about winning and losing, it’s about improving every game, fighting until the end and having the confidence to keep believing in our style of play,” said Burnett-Kurie. “Our girls are embracing that, which is fantastic and we can’t complain about the heart they are putting into the season.”
The Gusties’ next action will be on Wednesday when the team travels to Menomonie, Wisconsin for their last non-conference contest with UW-Stout at 7 p.m.