SAINT PETER, Minn. – After four straight games on the road, the Gustavus women’s soccer team returns to the Gustie Soccer Field on Tuesday for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Bethel. The Gusties enter the contest 2-10 overall and 1-5 in the MIAC, while the Royals are 10-2 overall and 4-2 in the league.
The Series: Today’s game marks the 27th meeting between Gustavus and Bethel with the Gusties leading the all-time series 17-9. Last season the Royals won a back-and-forth battle 4-3 on Oct. 6 in Arden Hills. Britney Monteon scored the game-winner with 4:40 left in the game to seal the victory for Bethel. Katie Ashpole (Jr., Chaska), Rachel Rehnelt (So., Albert Lea), and Lucy Thompson (Sr., Edina) scored the Gustie goals.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is hoping to turn its fortunes around after dropping its last five games, most recently losing 2-0 at Saint Benedict on Saturday. Of the past five losses, three have been by one goal. After 12 games, Ashpole leads the team with nine points on four goals and an assist. Taylor Hemme (Jr., Eden Prairie) has a team-high three assists. Ashley Becker (Sr., Farmington) has started all 12 games in goal with 1.98 goals against average and .765 save percentage. Her 76 saves lead the MIAC.
Scouting the Royals: Bethel has won its past two games, most recently defeating Saint Mary’s 4-0 Saturday in Winona. Three Royals have surpassed the 20-point mark this year, led by Rachel Waterman with 27 points (2nd/MIAC) on nine goals and MIAC-high nine assists. Lauren Davis leads the team with 10 goals and has 26 points. Sophie Kendall is the third Royal with 20-plus points at 23 on nine goals and five assists. Kaylee Peterson has started all 12 games in goal with a 0.53 goals against average and a .864 save percentage.