The Gustavus women’s soccer team scored two goals in the second half including the game-winning goal by Ashley Voigtlander (Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) in the 82nd minute and held on for a 2-1 win over St. Mary’s University at the Gustavus Soccer Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Gusties played an inspired second half out-shooting the Cardinals 7-to-3 and picking up their first win in MIAC play this season.
The first half was evenly played with both teams putting together a couple of good scoring opportunities. The Cardinals, however were able to convert on one of their opportunities as Amy Sibik found the ball on her foot eight yards out and calmly sent the ball into the lower corner past the outstretched arms of Gustavus goalkeeper Chelsea Bayer (Fy., Rogers, Minn.). The unassisted goal was scored at the 8:11 mark.
The Gusties evened the score early in the second half as Jenna Iaizzo (Sr., White Bear Lake, Minn.) gathered up a rebound off a hard shot by Callie Christensen (Jr., Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) and knocked it into an open net at the 51:44 mark to make the score 1-1. Christensen was credited with the assist.
Gustavus kept the pressure on throughout most of the second half and then picked up the game-winner after a scramble and a blocked shot in front of the net was re-directed past Cardinal goalkeeper Marianna Sanchez with just 7:43 left in regulation play.
Coach Mike Stehlik used two goalkeepers in the game for Gustavus as Chelsea Bayer played the first half making two saves and allowing one goal, while Ashley Ohlson (Jr., Anchorage, Alaska/Dimond) played the second half making one save and not allowing a goal. Ohlson is credited with the win in the nets for the Gusties.
Gustavus improves to 5-4-0 overall and 1-3-0 in the MIAC. The Gusties will host Carleton on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm at the Gustavus soccer field.