SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team travels to UW-Platteville for a 7 p.m. non-conference matchup on Friday. The Gusties are fresh off a season-opening 2-1 win at Central College on Wednesday, while the Pioneers also won their season opener 1-0 against Monmouth (Ill.) on Wednesday.
Last time out: The Gusties scored both of their goals in the first half Wednesday at Central and staved off a late comeback effort by the Dutch to earn the win.
After trading possessions to start the match, the Gusties scored a counterattacking goal with a run up the right side. Page Cocchiarella (Sr., Owatonna) played the ball from the outside toward Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska) who took a touch and finished from 12 yards out for the first goal of the season. With 40 seconds left in the opening frame, Elin Swenson (Fy., Uppsala, Sweden) fired a shot on a rope from 35 yards out and put it home in the upper 90 post for an impressive first career goal. The Gusties led 2-0 at half.
Gustavus controlled possession for most of the second half and created a number of scoring opportunities but was unable to extend the lead. A few shots went off the crossbar and the Dutch goalkeeper made a couple saves to keep the difference at two goals. Central scored its lone goal late in the game to put pressure on the Gusties, but the visitors were able to keep the lead and held on for the win.
Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) earned the win in goal after making eight saves with the help of a back line consisting of Megan King (Jr., Savage), Tayler Grossman (Sr., Lakeville), Molly Waters (Jr., Lakeville), and Sara Kugler (Fy., Lakeville).
Last time out for UW-Platteville: The Pioneers ended a scoreless battle in double overtime Wednesday to beat Monmouth 1-0. Alyssa Peterson scored the game-winner unassisted in the 104th minute. The Pioneers used two keepers during the match; Emma Ball started the game and made one save in the first half, while Onalee Erickson played the final 58:24 with eight saves to earn the win. Platteville outshot Monmouth 23-15 and held the advantage in corner kicks 11-1.