ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team was carried by strong defense and two goals from Maddison Ackiss (Sr., Fairbanks, Alaska), leading to a 2-0 shutout at Bethel University Saturday afternoon.
“We started really well for a second game in a row,” said Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “The team is on a mission and they’ve been performing well. Right from the gates we controlled the tempo and created a lot of dangerous opportunities. We put Bethel on their heels to start. In the second half Bethel came out strong, but our team rose to the challenge. Our entire team worked tirelessly defensively and still created a few dangerous looks, including a shot off the crossbar.”
Just three minutes into the game, Ackiss notched what stood as the game-winning goal for the Gusties. Ackiss scored unassisted to post her fourth of the season.
Ackiss’s fifth goal of the season and second of the game came just five minutes later as Hannah Sturtz (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) tallied her second helper of the season to push the Gustavus lead to 2-0.
The two-goal game stands as Ackiss’s fifth multi-goal game of her career and her second this season.
“As we’ve said before, Ackiss is the complete package. It’s hard to defend against her because she’s technical, deadly in the open field and super smart. Sturtz also had an outstanding game as much of our attack went through her. It’s fun to see the player she’s developed into,” Burnett-Kurie said.
In comparison, Bethel led in shots with 18 to the Gusties’ nine. Gustavus led in corner kicks with five compared to the Royals’ two.
Goalkeeper Ashley Becker (So., Farmington, Minn.) posted a career-high 10 saves to record her fifth shutout of the season and the 16th of her career.
“Everyday Ashley is working to become the best goalkeeper she can be. It’s through her mentality and desire to improve that has helped her elevate her game especially the last couple games,” commented Burnett-Kurie.
Tomorrow the Gusties host a non-conference matchup against Wartburg College at 2:30 p.m.