SAINT PETER, Minn. – Katie Ashpole’s (Sr., Chaska) goal in the 56th minute proved to be the only score Saturday as the Gustavus women’s soccer team beat UW-River Falls 1-0 at the Gustie Soccer Field. The Gusties improve to 2-2 overall while the Falcons drop to 1-4.
“Today was a great game and a lot of fun,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “We talked a lot about how we know, within ourselves, that this team has a lot potential and talent but we wanted to make sure that high level showed through on the field and for a complete game. We came out with a lot of fire, had great possession, committed numbers to the attack and played off one another like we had been playing together for years. At halftime, we could feel the energy and knew a goal was coming.”
The Gusties created some opportunities in the first half, outshooting the Falcons 8-3, but the match remained scoreless after the first 45 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, Tayler Grossman (Sr., Lakeville) found a penetrating pass to Ashpole, who had a quick back-and-forth with Ella Carlson (So., Champlin). Ashpole then took a one-time shot from outside the 18 to the upper-right corner.
“In the second half, we started a little slow but found our feet, played for each other and then created a fantastic team goal,” Burnett-Kurie said. “Katie Ashpole’s skillset is one to admire. After going up 1-0, we didn’t take our foot off the pedal and rode the highs and lows very well, finishing the game in control. We turned the dial once again today and are excited to continue to take steps forward on Monday as we prepare for conference to start on Tuesday. The MIAC is a different level and we believe we are up for the challenge.
Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) earned the shutout victory in goal after making seven saves.
Gustavus travels to St. Scholastica on Tuesday for its first MIAC game of the season.