ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team continues its quest to secure a MIAC Playoff berth Wednesday as it travels to Concordia College for a matchup between two postseason contenders. The Gusties are in second place in the MIAC with 21 points (7-2), while the Cobbers sit in a tie for fifth place with 15 points (5-4).
A Gustavus victory or tie would secure its first postseason appearance in the 13-year history of the MIAC Playoffs. The Gusties last made a playoff appearance in 1998 where they reached the second round of the national tournament. Besides a playoff berth, the Gusties are also seeking their first victory over the Cobbers since 2002 as they are 0-10-2 in the last 12 meetings.
Live online coverage of Wednesday’s match begins at 3:30 p.m.
GUSTAVUS LINKS: ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS
CONCORDIA LINKS: ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS
Gustavus currently sits at No. 5 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) North Region rankings behind UW-La Crosse, UW-Whitewater, Luther and Wartburg.
The Gusties suffered their first loss of the season on their home pitch last Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to St. Catherine.
The Gusties played much of the first half in their own half of the field and the offensive pressure by St. Kate’s finally paid off in the 43rd minute with goal by Hannah Okerstrom to take a 1-0 lead at halftime. The Wildcats registered seven shots in the first 45 minutes, compared to three by the Gusties.
St. Kate’s then took a 2-0 lead in the 63rd minute as Okerstrom scored her league-leading 11th goal of the season.
A sense of urgency picked up for the Gusties and they were able to score their first goal of the game in the 85th minute. Coursey Edwards (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) fired a long bending shot from the left side that found its way past the diving keeper for her third score of the season. But Gustavus was unable to net the equalizer in the final five minutes and the Wildcats came away with the upset victory.
After 90 minutes of play, the Gusties and Wildcats both registered 11 shots. Gustie keeper Ashley Becker (Fy., Farmington, Minn.) posted four saves in the loss to move to 10-5-1 with a 1.03 goals against average (6th/MIAC) and a .813 save percentage (3rd/MIAC).
After 16 matches, Maddison Ackiss (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) leads the Gusties with eight goals (2nd/MIAC). Sophie Leininger (So., Plymouth, Minn.) has the most assists with nine (T-1st/MIAC), which are one short of the program record for assists in a single season.
Last Saturday, Concordia gave up a goal in 21st minute, but a pair of late goals helped CC earn a 2-1 win over Bethel and stay in the thick of the MIAC playoff race.
Abby Vogelsberg earned the assist on the game-winning goal. She now has two assists in the team’s last four games. CC is 4-0 when Vogelsberg gets an assist in a game.
Concordia outshot Bethel 11-9 in total shots and 6-3 in shots on goal. Emily Wendorff had a game-high five shots. She has 53 for the season and is second in the MIAC in total shots.
Maddy Reed made two saves in her first collegiate start and earned her first collegiate victory.
After 16 matches this season, Wendorff leads the Cobber offense with eight goals (2nd/MIAC). She also has five assists for 21 points (3rd/MIAC). Paige McCullough has the most assists on the team with six. Between the pipes. Elizabeth Bitzan is 9-6-0 with a 1.38 goals against average and a .778 save percentage.