SAINT PETER, Minn. – After over a year without play, the Gustavus women’s soccer team will step onto the field for the first time this season when they hit the road to face off against University of Minnesota-Morris.
“Our team is super excited to get back into it,” said Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie who is in her ninth season at the helm. “It’s been great to get back into contact play this spring which has been huge for us. I think everyone bought into what we were doing in the fall even though it was socially distanced. We used that time to focus on technique, so our technical base is extremely high right now which has gotten us to new levels this spring as we’ve prepared to compete.”
The team finished their 2019 season 6-12-0 overall and 4-7-0 in conference play. The Gusties return an especially experienced lineup with nine seniors. Page Cocchiarella (Sr., Owatonna), Sophie Olson (Sr., Minneapolis), Kari Cammerrer (Sr., Savage), Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska), Erin Teichroew (Sr., Duluth), Taylor Hemme (Sr., Eden Prairie), Lauren Johnson (Sr., Woodbury), Ava Hanson (Sr., Medina), and Maddie McDermott (Sr., Mendota Heights).
Ashpole finished with five goals and two assists followed by Hemme’s one goal and team high four assists. McDermott led the team with a .400 shot percentage and Johnson had an offensive high 30 shots.
“We have a large senior class, they’ve gone through a lot with this program. Their freshman year we went to the conference championship game,” said Burnett-Kurie “The last couple of seasons we’ve had the strongest schedule in the region, they’ve been through a lot and led the way. It’s good for our younger players to learn from them, not only on the field but also off of it in what they’ve been able to accomplish in the classroom and in the community. We have some really exciting younger players and everyone is coming together as a unit.”
The team brings fresh talent with five first-year players. Additionally, the Gusties return seven sophomores and six juniors. Abby Goodno (Jr., Little Canada) returns to the lineup as the most experienced goalkeeper with a 1.66 goals against average in her sophomore season.
“Our seniors have done a fantastic job throughout everything. They’ve been steadfast in their positivity and have been able to ride the highs and lows in all of the changes. However, the first-years, sophomores, and juniors have all stepped up to help support the seniors throughout the pandemic. It’s monumental how well-rounded our leadership has been.”
With practices spent spaced off by cones and each player hand sanitizing in between drills, the masked up games may look different but it’s something the program prides themselves in doing their part to keep the campus community healthy.
“Our student athletes have been so open and willing to follow the guidelines. They understand that the decisions we make help keep the entire community safe and they’ve done an exceptional job. As coaching staff it makes our lives easier when they’re great at being masked and following social distancing guidelines.”
The team will spend the majority of their season on the road with five away games and will be on their home field for three games with their first being on April 11th when they host St. Olaf. The college’s spectator policy allows a capped number of fans at women’s soccer games as players are given two guest passes that are required to be pre-registered and a limited number of tickets for current Gustavus students and employees.
“For us, the most important thing this spring is just competing. Being on the road but playing on fields that are turf provides us that opportunity and everybody understands that. We’re really thankful that we are able to schedule a couple of non-conference games. We’re excited to be on our home field but the most important thing is being able to play.”
The team will travel to Morris on Friday for the 7:00 p.m. season opener.
“We’re appreciative of Gustavus and the MIAC for providing us the opportunity to play. We know they’ve put in a lot of time and effort in giving us this opportunity. For us moving forward, our focus is on our strengths as a program and taking it to a new level and we’re excited to see what that looks like against other competition.”