SAINT PETER, Minn. — The last time the Gusties played at home, they defeated their opponents by a score of 6-0. On Wednesday, the Gusties recreated that home-turf magic in their first conference game of the year, beating St. Scholastica by a score of 4-0.
The Gusties and Saints played scoreless through the first 30 minutes before Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) broke the silence — giving the Gusties their first MIAC lead of the year. The goal — Waldspurger’s fourth of the season — opened the floodgates for the Gusties, as they would add three more before the end of the night.
“Today was a great team win. In the MIAC, anyone can beat anyone. We knew we were going to have to bring our best game to get the results that we wanted,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “We started out a little unsure of ourselves however we quickly started to build our confidence again and really focus on our style of play and our strengths.”
The Gustavus women’s soccer team continued to control the play into the second half, as Elin Swenson (So., Uppsala, Sweden) would add a tally in minute 73 to push the lead to 2-0. Kenna West (Sr., Owatonna) put the third past Saint goalkeeper Brianna Jorgenson, netting her first of the season, and just seconds later, Jordan Oelkers (So., Byron) delivered the final blow, sealing the Gustie victory, 4-0.
“It was great to put one on the scoreboard in the first half and then we settled down and really controlled the tempo of the game for the remainder. Our depth also truly showed today with goals coming from four different players and late in the game.”
The Gusties finished the game outshooting the Saints, 19-6. Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) posted her second shutout of the season, making five saves between the pipes.
“It was a great first conference win! We will enjoy this victory and tomorrow set our sights for Saturday’s game against Carleton.”
The Gusties, now 4-1-1, return for more MIAC play Saturday at Carleton, as they take on the Knights for a 1 p.m. showdown.