Ashley Becker made seven saves in the shutout win over Macalester.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team ended a three-game skid Tuesday night, defeating Macalester 2-0 to begin conference play.
The win marks the first time since 1995 the Gusties beat Macalester, ending a stretch that included 17 losses and one tie.
“We’ve known we’ve been close leading up to this point, and we finally put it all together,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “We played a dangerous Macalester team that took it to us, but our attack and defense was up to the task tonight.”
Maddison Ackiss (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) scored both of the Gustie goals Tuesday, while keeper Ashley Becker (Fy., Farmington, Minn.) recorded her first collegiate win in shutout fashion.
The first goal of the night came in the 20th minute as Brittany Chase (Sr., Victoria, Minn.) found Ackiss from the right side for an open look at the net.
“We played our style of soccer so well tonight, pinging the ball around one and two touch up and down the field,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Our first goal was such a fantastic goal. We developed the play, then Maddi and Britt passed around their defenders to get in behind before Britt selflessly played the ball back to Maddi for a one-time finish.”
Macalester outshot Gustavus 6-5 in the first half, but the Gusties carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
“In the second half, Macalester came out strong, but just like our defense did all first half, we were able to handle everything they threw at us,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Ashley Becker, our backline, and entire team in front of them did a fantastic job of pressuring the ball, contesting 50/50’s and sticking tackles.”
In the 69th minute, Ackiss found the back of the net for her second score of the night – this time on a long pass from the left by Coursey Edwards (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.). The shot was from 15 yards out.
“In the second half, even though we were going at the wind, we still found feet and kept possession incredibly well,” Burnett-Kurie said. “We created numerous chances that could have easily found their way into the back of the net. For our second goal, Coursey recognized the one-on-one situation inside the box and crossed the ball over towards Maddi, who used her strength and technical skill to beat her defender and finish the ball.”
The Scots rattled off nine more shots in the second half, but none of them made it through as Becker tallied seven saves for the Black and Gold.
The Gusties finished the night with 11 shots compared to 15 by the Scots.
“It was a great win and very well deserved for the team,” Burnett-Kurie said. “We are proud of this group of players and are now looking to use this as momentum going into our next game this Saturday.”
Gustavus improves to 1-3-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Gusties host St. Olaf at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Great start to the MIAC season! Very proud of your team play. Go Gusties! I’ll see you all on Wednesday.