DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Gustavus women’s soccer team found itself in familiar territory during Friday night’s non-conference matchup against Dubuque. For the third time this season, the Gusties were trailing their opponent by one goal in the second half.
Unfortunately for the Gusties, Friday’s game would not end in the 2-1 fashion they had grown so accustomed to. Rather, the Gusties would battle Dubuque to a 1-1 tie, thanks to the collective efforts of Annika Lewis (Sr., Hudson, Wis.) and Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada).
Emma Kober gave the Spartans the lead in the third minute of the game, sending a shot past Goodno into the right corner of the net. Dubuque would hold this lead well into the second half.
“It was an electric game under the lights — a big physical and emotional test for us with the environment. We started out strong with a couple great looks that we narrowly missed, and then suddenly went down a goal,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “We had moments of brilliant possession throughout the first half and it was inspiring to watch.”
The tally from Lewis wouldn’t come until the 71st minute, leaving Goodno to be perfect between the pipes — making a total of seven saves on eight shots. While Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) wasn’t able to add to her goal-scoring streak, her assist on Lewis’s goal would prove to be enough to hold off the Spartans for the remainder of the game.
“The grit of this team to continue to fight and battle is empowering and it paid off in the second half when we scored another fantastic team goal. Ultimately, we took steps forward with this game and are ready for our next game on Sunday.”
The Gusties (3-0-1) return to action on Sunday, facing UW-Eau Claire for a 1 p.m. away contest.