BOX SCORE
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team lost 2-1 Friday night at UW-Platteville in non-conference action. The Gusties drop to 1-1 overall while the Pioneers improve to 2-0.
The Pioneers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute and held the one-goal advantage at halftime. Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska) tallied her second goal of the season, assisted by Lauren Miller (Fy., Brooklyn Park), just 2:01 into the second half to tie the score, but the home team responded in the 57th minute to regain the lead. UW-Platteville held on to the lead for the rest of the game to secure the victory.
The Gusties outshot the Pioneers 22-10. Leah Pavlish (Sr., Prior Lake) got the start in goal and made three saves in a complete game effort.
“Tonight was an incredibly exciting game, it was a fun stadium to play in, the intensity was through the roof and the energy our team brought on and off the field was inspiring,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “While we didn’t come out with the result in our favor, we are very proud of how we played and how hard we fought. We matched the physicality of Platteville, but then showed finesse when in possession.
“To be honest, it was tough for us to play against a team with a sweeper as you don’t see that at the college level. Our team adapted well and still showed the Gustie tempo against a team that sat back and played long balls. We battled back from going down a goal early, and then fought until the very end. We are all still coming down from our adrenaline high.
“There are some losses you can walk away with your head held high and tonight was one of those games. We have spent five days on the road building our team camaraderie and the identity of this team is really breaking through. To show this much grit and prowess against a physical, direct team is admirable.”
Gustavus hosts Dubuque at noon Monday for its home opener.
