ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team held its ground as the top team in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a 1-0 win over the College of Saint Benedict on Wednesday. With the win, the Gusties improve to 8-4-1 overall and 6-1-0 on the MIAC.
“We knew today was going to be a battle and we were not let down,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “From the starting whistle, Saint Ben’s came out with a purpose. Once again our players raised their game, dug deep and put together a solid 90 minutes.”
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half as each team posted four shots.
“The first half we possessed the ball very well, especially against such a strong team,” Burnett-Kurie said. “We had a few dangerous opportunities, but were not able to break down their back line.”
In the 62nd minute, Saint Ben’s had a great opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick but was unable to capitalize as the shot clanged off the cross bar.
“Our team came back after the PK with a lot of confidence and the momentum came back our direction,” Burnett-Kurie said.
With just seven minutes remaining in regulation the Gusties finally found the net with the game’s first and only goal. Emily Skogseth (Fy., Burnsville, Minn.) found Hannah Sturtz (So., Plymouth, Minn.) on top of the 18-yard box and Sturtz buried the shot with authority. The goal was Sturtz’ fourth and the assist was Skogseth’s third of the season.
“Everyone played well and we certainly played with a lot of guts, guile and grit,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Saint Ben’s is a very strong team so we are incredibly proud of everyone in our program.”
Gustavus finished with eight shots – four in each half – while the Blazers took a total of 11 shots with seven coming in the final 45 minutes. Gustie keeper Ashley Becker (Fy., Farmington, Minn.) made five saves in the shutout.
The Gusties next host Bethel University (3-10, 0-7 MIAC) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.