Kirstin Poppen (So., Verona) taking a freek kick in Saturday's game against St. Catherine.
SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus women’s soccer team headed into Saturday’s conference matchup against St. Catherine in the midst of an offensive slump, having been shut out in three of its previous four losses.
And unfortunately, the Gusties’ offensive struggles continued against the 2021 MIAC Champions, as St. Catherine turned aside all nine Gustie shots on goal, dealing Gustavus a 3-0 setback at the Gustie Soccer Field.
Both teams played scoreless through the first 32 minutes of the game until Mallory Johnson put one just barely past the fingertips of Gustie goalkeeper Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) off of back-to-back corner kicks for the Wildcats.
St. Catherine did not waste any time in netting their second goal, as Amanda Elton scored her sixth of the season just five minutes later for a 2-0 SCU lead.
The Gusties brought some offensive energy to the second half, including a shot from Brianna Monahan (So., Medina) that would soar just over the St. Catherine net and another opportunity from Kirsten Poppen (So., Verona) off of a free kick just six minutes later that was turned aside by Wildcat goalkeeper Kate Praetz.
Despite the offensive energy, it would be the Wildcats who would score next, as Lauren Witte took a feed from Ari Green, beating Claire Hemstock (Jr., North Mankato) and pushing the SCU lead to 3-0.
The Gusties finished the game outshooting the Wildcats 18-16, including a 12-3 edge in the second half. Praetz posted a clean sheet with nine saves between the pipes, while Goodno and Hemstock split the game, with Goodno finishing with all seven saves for the Gusties.
The Gusties are back in action on Oct. 8, hosting Concordia for a 1 p.m. conference game at the Gustie Soccer Field. The game will be a featured event in Gustavus Athletics’ celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, with a special presentation to take place prior to kick off.