DULUTH, Minn. – An early goal by the Gustavus women’s soccer team and a stout defensive performance resulted in a 1-0 victory Sunday evening against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The win is the first of the season as Gustavus improves to 1-1, while the Falcons move to 1-1 as well.
“Today’s game was a fantastic performance,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “We came out with an edge from the get-go. We committed numbers forward, were creative with our movement and we proved to be dangerous on the attack.”
Chase Miller (Jr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) scored what proved to be the game-winner 14:25 into the match. Sophie Leininger (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) found Miller in front of the goal and the junior midfielder fired a shot over the head of the keeper for the lone score of the day.
“Sophie did well all game finding pockets of space on the field and Chase worked tirelessly to join the attack – both coming together for the game-winning goal,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Sophie set Chase up perfect and Chase absolutely destroyed the ball.”
Gustavus controlled the pace of play throughout the match, outshooting the Falcons 20-9, including a 12-4 advantage in the first half. Miller led the offensive pressure with five shots and four on goal. Ashley Becker (Jr., Farmington, Minn.) made three saves.
“In the second half we continued to move the ball well, riding the highs and lows, and completing the shutout,” Burnett-Kurie said. “This is a great end to a fantastic weekend of adventuring and quality soccer. We proved we can compete with top teams in the region and we’re excited to continue to grow every day.”
Becker, Emily Odermatt (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn.) and Miller were named to the 16-member Advantage Emblem Cup All-Tournament Team.
Gustavus travels to Lawrence University at 7 p.m. Friday.