SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus women's soccer team was in a streak-snapping mood Saturday afternoon. Kirsten Poppen (So., Verona) scored what would be the game-winning goal, lifting the Gusties to 3-0 win over Concordia — putting an end to a five-game losing streak and a four-game offensive dry spell.
The first half was all Gusties, outshooting the Cobbers 13-2 through the first 45, including 6-0 in shots on goal. Poppen got the ball rolling for the Gusties 24 minutes into the first half, putting a penalty kick past Cobber goalkeeper Kaitlin Petrich to take the early 1-0 lead.
The Gusties carried their offensive pressure to the second half, as
Rachel Rehnelt (Sr., Albert Lea) would push the lead to 2-0 just eight minutes in.
And it didn't take the Gusties long to make it a 3-0 advantage — 2:12, to be exact – as
Elin Swenson (So., Uppsala, Sweden) took a feed from
Annika Lewis (Sr., Hudson, Wis.) and
Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) to beat Petrich for her third goal of the season.
The Gusties posted a clean sheet, holding the Cobbers to only six shots in the game.
Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) led the Gusties between the pipes for the first 78 minutes, making three saves, while
Justine Holm (Sr., Shakopee) finished the shutout for Gustavus.
The Gusties also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX — the landmark achievement that broke barriers for girls and women in athletics — prior to the game, with a celebration of Dr. Nicole LaVoi and recognition of all the current and former female student athletes.
The Gusties, now 5-6-1 overall and 2-4 in conference play, take to the road Wednesday, as they head to Augsburg for a 7:30 p.m. conference showdown in Minneapolis.
